WACO Aircraft Abruptly Closes Factory

Historic biplane manufacturer in Michigan shuts down operations ‘effective immediately.’

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 01:38 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2024 Waco YMF-5 [Credit: WACO Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

WACO Aircraft Corp., including Centennial Aircraft Services and Dimor Group Inc., abruptly ceased all aircraft production and maintenance operations at its Battle Creek, Michigan, factory.
Employees were informed not to return to work via email, with a sign on the factory door confirming the immediate closure due to ownership exhausting all options to remain operational.
The sudden shutdown is unexpected, as the company recently exhibited at a major aerospace expo and had announced significant investment plans earlier this year for a new factory and the production of an additional aircraft model.

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WACO Aircraft Corp. abruptly shuttered its Battle Creek, Michigan, factory and ceased operations Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Employees reportedly left the facility Tuesday afternoon only to receive an email shortly after instructing them not to return to work, while a sign posted on the factory door confirmed the closure of the aircraft production and maintenance provider.