The world became a little darker a few months ago, as Textron Inc., the parent company of Arctic Cat, announced a host of markers that spelled the end for the snowmobile and side-by-side maker. Indeed, the portents of doom were all there, including layoffs, shake-ups, and production stoppages at the company's Thief River Falls facility.
But alas, the fate of Arctic Cat was not that of the heap of failed powersport companies. They would live to ride again, as a group of investors, led by one of the brand's former executives, saved the beloved company and reinvigorated the operation. Arctic Cat under Textron is dead, long live Arctic Cat under Argo!
And though that sounds like hyperbole, the brand is celebrating that fact, as not only is the company in the good hands of former Arctic Cat President and CEO, Brad Darling, as well as under the umbrella of the Argo corporation, but it's hired back a bunch of workers, and back producing powersport machines once again. At the Thief River Falls, AND at the St. Cloud engine plant, no less. And the brand is back focusing on the customer and their wants, which is definitely a good sign.
