Arctic Cat’s New Owner to Rehire About 500
The new owner of Thief River Falls-based Arctic Cat says he’ll rehire most workers that were set to be laid off this month.
On Thursday, Arctic Cat’s new CEO, president, and part-owner Brad Darling said he plans to “reengage the majority of our workforce of just under 500 employees.”
Back in February, former Arctic Cat owner Textron Inc. notified state officials that it would lay off about 385 employees at the company’s Thief River Falls location this month due to “changing business needs.” Textron had already laid off about 65 workers from the plant in November and planned to indefinitely halt production there.
But Arctic Cat would soon find a savior in the form of Darling and an outside investment group, which together acquired the business from Textron for an undisclosed sum in April. Darling is a former Arctic Cat executive who went on to become CEO and president of amphibious vehicle maker Argo – a role he still holds today.
The new ownership group is now planning a new 2026 lineup of snowmobiles, which they say will provide a “huge sigh of relief” to employees.
In a news release, Arctic Cat VP of Operations Dan Johnson said that Arctic Cat’s Thief River Falls facility has remained on a “limited production run” since November.
“There will be a ramp up period for production of new Arctic Cat products,” Johnson said. “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 company also plans to “expand its workforce” at its engine facility in St. Cloud, per the release.
Thief River Falls Mayor Mike Lorenson told the Grand Forks Herald this week that the news is a “great step forward for our city.”
Textron originally bought Arctic Cat back in 2017 for $247 million.
