Council backs Arctic Cat’s Minnesota Ford Fund application, citing jobs and local production

The Thief River Falls City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting Arctic Cat Incorporated’s application to the Minnesota Ford Fund, a step city staff and company representatives said is intended to help the firm renovate and modernize its local production facility and hire full-time employees.

Richard, a city staff member who introduced the item, said the resolution is required by the state for the company’s application and that the city would review the application; he said the assistance is expected to help the company restore jobs lost under previous ownership and to support capital expenditures necessary to resume or expand production.

A company representative told the council most production and assembly work occurs in Minnesota — especially in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud — and described support functions in Bucyrus, Ohio, that handle parts distribution. The representative said the company expects to bring some positions back to Thief River Falls, recruit locally, and expand research-and-development capability.

Council members asked for clarity about out-of-state operations. In response the company representative said, "we produce in Thief River Falls and Saint Cloud… most of it's made in Minnesota," and noted a parts/shipping operation in Bucyrus, Ohio.

The council then moved and approved the resolution supporting Arctic Cat’s Minnesota Ford Fund application; the city administrator will act as the application route and the city would serve as fiscal agent as needed (motion by Councilman Pream; second by Councilman Langness). The motion carried by voice vote.

The council’s action does not itself commit city funds to the project; staff said the city’s role would be administrative and review of the application submitted on behalf of Arctic Cat.