Groupe Beneteau announced today that it will halt production at its Cadillac, Mich., facility during the third quarter as it plans to divest the facility and its Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron brands. The company said the moves are part of a “targeted adaptation of certain U.S. operations in a market affected by the Middle East conflict.”
“This decision is based on two observations,” Groupe Beneteau said in a statement. “First, the structural weakness of the bowriders and jetboats segments — in which the Four Winns and Scarab brands operate — which have been in decline for several years. Second, the deterioration of the geopolitical situation since the beginning of the Middle East conflict in March 2026, which has further accelerated this decline in already fragile segments.”
A search for potential buyers is reported to be underway. After-sales service and parts supplies will be maintained until the divestiture is finalized, ensuring service continuity for owners and distributors, the statement said.
Groupe Beneteau said the moves — affecting three brands representing less than 5% of revenue in 2025 — do not question the ambitions on the American market, nor the sales growth prospects and profitability improvement envisioned at this stage for the fiscal year.
According to reporting by 9 & 10 News in Michigan, the plant will shut at the end of August. The Cadillac facility has 232 employees, who were informed of the decision Monday morning. The company said management will discuss severance pay, benefits and retirement with each employee, the report said.
