Group Beneteau has announded plans to cease production at its Cadillac Shipyard in Michigan, US, and to sell three of its brands – Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron.
Beneteau has cited the targeted adaptation of US operations in a market affected by the Middle East conflict.
The Group has experienced a slowdown in order intake since the beginning of the Middle East conflict and has previously announced the implementation of measures aimed at restoring operating margins.
Beneteau has been experiencing a decline in sales in its bowrider and jet boat segments – in which the Four Winns and Scarab brands operate – for several years and the Middle East conflict has further accelerated this decline.
Despite continued investment, Beneteau says the activity level in 2026 at the American facility remains below the recovery trajectory.
Over the last two fiscal years (2024 and 2025), the American brands recorded approximately €30 million in cumulative operating losses.
The three brands represented less than 5% of Group revenue in 2025.
Search for buyers
The Cadillac facility, one of Beneteau’s 16 production facilities, is scheduled to close during Q3 2026 and a search for potential buyers is underway.
Aftersales service and spare parts supply will continue until the sale of the brands is finalised.
“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.
Geopolitical context
“These choices result from a market environment durably affected by a geopolitical context beyond our control,” added Bruno Thivoyon, chairman of the executive board of Group Beneteau.
“Our responsibility is to act with lucidity and transparency to preserve our Group’s capacity to invest, innovate and rebound, while supporting with respect and responsibility each of our employees.
“With 140 years of history, Group Beneteau has the fundamentals and culture to navigate this period without abandoning what has made its strength throughout its history: innovation, the expertise of our teams and our territorial roots.”
And he said the Group will concentrate resources on its seven performing brands — Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Excess, Lagoon, Wellcraft and Delphia.
The Group will also continue its adaptation measures to align its cost structure with activity levels, while continuing the deployment of its product innovation plan – 24 new models will be launched in 2026 following 23 launches in 2025.
