The parent company of Four Winns boats will shut down its operations in Cadillac citing slow sales and conflict in the Middle East.
French boat manufacturer Groupe Beneteau said on June 15 that the company is looking to sell the plant at 925 Frisbie St. in the northern Michigan city just north of Lake Cadillac.
Over the last two fiscal years (2024 and 2025), Groupe Beneteau said, its American brands recorded approximately 30 million euro in cumulative operating losses.
“While this difficult decision is rational, we are aware of what it represents for each member of the Cadillac site team. The teams have demonstrated exemplary commitment. What we owe them today is clarity, respect and support worthy of what they have given the Group,” said Yannick Madiot, general manager of the Dayboating Business Unit.
The group announced the production halt at Cadillac, one of its 16 production facilities, as well as the planned divestiture of the facility and the Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron brands.
The closure is expected to impact about 232 employees, WPBN reported.
The company said it’s currently looking for a buyer for both the plant and boating brands.
After-sales service and spare parts will be maintained until the divestiture is finalized, a news release said.
The company said the three brands represent less than 5% of Group revenue in 2025. The company said it will concentrate resources on its seven strategic and performing brands: Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Excess, Lagoon, Wellcraft and Delphia.
Four Winns was founded in Cadillac in 1975 by the Winn family, the website says. It has employed residents in Cadillac for more than 50 years.
In 2014, Four Winns was acquired by Groupe Beneteau. The acquisition also brought a dedicated motorboat production unit to Cadillac, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and expanding market presence, the company said.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Four Winns boat plant in Cadillac to close after 50 years
Reporting by Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
