CADILLAC, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A major hit to the Cadillac community came on Monday as 232 employees found out they will lose their jobs at the end of the summer.
Rec Boat Holdings, the U.S. subsidiary of French boat manufacturer Groupe Beneteau, announced it will halt production of its boats at its Cadillac facility at the end of August.
Management said it will discuss severance pay, benefits, and retirement options with each employee.
In the meantime, the company is looking for a buyer of the facility that produces Four Winns, Scarab Jet Boats, and Glastron brands.
The company cites “The Middle East conflict” as a factor.
Groupe Beneteau explained why the board made the decision following its June 11, 2026 meeting. They cited the “Middle East conflict” as one of the reasons for the closure. “These choices result from a market environment durably affected by a geopolitical context beyond our control,” the statement said. “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.”
The company also cited “the structural weakness of the bowriders and jet boats segments” and said “continued significant investments” did not help them recover 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,” Groupe Beneteau said.
At that same meeting, Groupe Beneteau appointed Nicolas Retailleau as Chief Financial Officer and added him to the Executive Board alongside Bruno Thivoyon.
A 50-year history.
MORE NEWS: Whitmer Embarks on Sixth Overseas Trip Since 2025
For Cadillac, “Four Winns” has been a staple there for more than five decades. In 1975, John Winn, along with his father Bill Sr. and brothers Bill Jr. and Charlie, acquired a boat manufacturing company and launched the Four Winns brand.
In 1987, OMC Boat Group acquired Four Winns, marking one of its 11 acquisitions. Despite three of the four Winns family members departing, John Winn continued to lead Four Winns within OMC’s diverse portfolio of boat companies until 1995.
In 2014, Four Winns joined Groupe Beneteau, enhancing the motorboat range offerings. This acquisition also brought a dedicated motorboat production unit to Cadillac, Michigan, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and expanding market presence.
For existing owners and dealers, Groupe Beneteau has confirmed that after-sales service and spare parts supply will be maintained until the sale of the brands is successfully finalized.