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., along with Centennial Aircraft Services and Dimor Group Inc., abruptly ceased all aircraft production and maintenance operations at its Battle Creek, Michigan factory.
Employees were notified of the immediate closure via email and a sign on the factory door, which came as a surprise given the company's recent exhibition at Sun 'n Fun and planned future events.
The sudden shutdown is particularly unexpected as the German owner, Dimor Group Inc., had announced plans in February 2025 (two months prior) to invest $12 million in a new factory to expand production.

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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.