Arctic Cat To Invest $27 Million in Minnesota Operations

Arctic Cat Inc. plans to invest nearly $27 million in its manufacturing facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota, resulting in the creation of approximately 50 jobs.

Arctic Cat’s President and CEO Christopher T. Metz commented:

“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 local leadership of Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, and the state of Minnesota, for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

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 (ROV) business.

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.

“For over 50 years, Arctic Cat has operated and expanded in Minnesota, creating thousands of jobs for hard-working Minnesotans,” said Minnesota 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 Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.