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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Arctic Cat Plans $27 Million Expansion At Its Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota, Manufacturing Centers

05/13/2015
A manufacturer of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, Arctic Cat Inc. plans to invest nearly $27 million in its production facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota. The investment is expected to result in the creation of approximately 50 jobs.

In St. Cloud, the company plans to invest roughly $400,000 in expanded assembly capability that is anticipated to add about 10 positions at its engine manufacturing facility located there. The company manufactures and assembles ATV and snowmobile engines at its 56,000-square-foot Engine Manufacturing Division in St. Cloud.

Arctic Cat plans to invest approximately $26 million in its Thief River Falls facility for a new paint line and other facility improvements that are estimated to create an additional 39 jobs. The paint line will enable continued growth in the company’s recreational off-highway vehicle business.

Arctic Cat’s President/ CEO Christopher T. Metz said, “We are excited to strengthen our Minnesota manufacturing footprint and position the company for continued long-term success. We will be adding a new state-of-the-art production line in Thief River Falls and expanding our engine manufacturing operations in St. Cloud, in order to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products. We are grateful to the cities of Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, and the state of Minnesota, for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

“For over 50 years, Arctic Cat has operated and expanded in Minnesota, creating thousands of jobs for hard-working Minnesotans,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “I congratulate Arctic Cat and its many dedicated employees for their successes. I thank them for choosing to expand their operations again, right here in Minnesota Arctic Cat’s expansion will be an asset to the area and the state”.

Arctic Cat chose to stay in Minnesota, where the company has deep manufacturing roots, and a highly educated and skilled labor force. The planned projects are eligible to receive local and state tax incentives, the Governor’s Office said.

"This is great news for the community and the local economy as it expands a world-renowned producer of ATVs, snowmobiles and side-by-sides in the city of Thief River Falls," said Thief River Falls Mayor Brian Holmer. "I will be working with the Thief River Falls Council, Pennington County Commissioners and local School Board on finalizing a local incentive package that will assist Arctic Cat in their expansion process. I will also be doing what I can to support additional housing to meet the current needs, as well as to assist with attraction and retention of quality employees."

“We are excited about Arctic Cat’s expansion and continued investment in St. Cloud,” said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. “Arctic Cat’s decision speaks volumes about the quality of their local employees and support by our higher education institutions – St. Cloud Technical & Community College and St. Cloud State University.”

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