Arctic Cat Production Ending in May Impacting Around 400 Employees

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KVRR) — Textron has set a date to shut down its manufacturing operations indefinitely at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls.

It’ll happen on May 22.

The company says the around 400 employees who work through their specific completion date will be eligible to receive severance benefits before they are laid-off.

They will complete limited production runs to fulfill customer commitments already on the books.

The company also say Arctic Cat remains open for business.

There will be 100-125 employees at the facility to handle sales, customer service, aftermarket distribution centers, and other functions to assist dealers and customers.

“We thank our employees, dealers, customers and supporters for their loyalty, patience and understanding as we weather the difficult conditions facing our business and our industry,” said Brandon Haddock, the director of communications.

Textron, the Cessna jet maker that owns the company, is exploring alternatives for its powersports product line and the plant.

The company acquired Arctic Cat in 2017.