CADILLAC, Mich. — More than 230 workers in northern Michigan are facing an uncertain future after French boat manufacturer Groupe Beneteau announced plans to halt production at its Cadillac facility later this summer.
The company revealed Monday that production at the Wexford County plant, operated by its U.S. subsidiary Rec Boat Holdings (RBH), will end in August. The decision affects all 232 employees currently working at the facility and comes as the company begins searching for a buyer for the plant and several of its well-known recreational boat brands.
The Cadillac operation manufactures boats under the Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab Jet brands. Groupe Beneteau said the move is part of a broader restructuring effort prompted by continued weakness in the recreational boating industry and ongoing economic uncertainty.
According to company officials, demand for bowrider and jet boats has fallen sharply, with orders for the three brands declining nearly 30 percent in 2026 compared to the previous year. The downturn has contributed to significant financial losses, with the brands reportedly generating nearly $34 million in operating losses over 2024 and 2025.
The production decline has been dramatic. Company figures show the Cadillac facility produced 2,313 boats in 2022, but output dropped to just 474 boats in 2025, highlighting the challenges facing the recreational marine market.
Employees were informed of the decision Monday morning. Company managers have begun meeting individually with workers to discuss severance packages, retirement options, benefits continuation, and other support services intended to ease the transition.
The announcement represents a major economic blow to Cadillac and the surrounding region, where manufacturing jobs remain a key component of the local economy. Community leaders and residents are now watching closely to see whether a new owner can be found to continue operations at the site.
Despite the shutdown announcement, Groupe Beneteau said it remains committed to finding a buyer for both the facility and the affected brands. Company executives stated their goal is to preserve an industrial future for the Cadillac plant and maintain employment opportunities in the area whenever possible.
For current owners of Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab boats, the company emphasized that after-sales support, warranty service, and replacement parts will continue during the transition process.
The closure underscores the challenges facing portions of the recreational boating industry, where higher interest rates, inflation, and cautious consumer spending have reduced demand for discretionary purchases such as new boats. Industry analysts note that many manufacturers experienced record sales during the pandemic-era boom, only to see demand cool significantly as economic conditions changed.
For the 232 workers affected in Cadillac, the coming months will likely be focused on determining what opportunities remain—whether through a potential buyer, new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in Michigan, or retraining for careers in other industries.
While the future of the facility remains uncertain, the announcement marks the end of an era for one of Cadillac's major manufacturing operations and raises concerns about the broader economic impact on the region.
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