Two weeks after the new ownership at Arctic Cat was announced, plans are starting to move the company forward.
Following the announcement in November that Arctic Cat would be pursuing strategic alternatives, over 300 jobs within the Arctic Cat workforce faced immediate uncertainty. However, one day after the acquisition of Arctic Cat was announced, the new leadership group unveiled a 2026 snowmobile lineup.
Arctic Cat Chief Executive Officer and President Brad Darling said, “Once we got the keys, we knew moving fast was our only option. Having the ability to release a lineup of snowmobiles that offers new models and significant updates was the first step. Next, we are able to reengage the majority of our workforce of just under 500 employees, providing stability to our extended family.”
In addition to ramping up production at the Thief River Falls facility, the Arctic Cat engine facility in St. Cloud will expand its workforce and continue to produce quality, top-tier engines for Arctic Cat products.
Dan Johnson, vice president of operations for Arctic Cat, provided insight into the company’s future plans. “We have been on a limited production run since the announcement back in November, and there will be a ramp-up period for production of new Arctic Cat products. This will allow our supply base time to produce the quality parts needed to put this iconic brand back in the race. We anticipate production activities to begin late summer.”
The upcoming production of Arctic Cat snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides later this year mark a significant milestone that many doubted would be possible.