Unexpected Closure of WACO Aircraft in Michigan Leads to Loss of 60 Jobs
The DIMOR Group announced on April 30, 2026, the immediate closure of WACO Classic Aircraft and Centennial Aircraft Services at Battle Creek Executive Airport in Michigan. This sudden move, which resulted in approximately 60 job losses, sent shockwaves through the aviation community.
Employees concluded their workday as usual on Tuesday, only to receive emails later instructing them not to report for work the following day. A notice posted on the facility’s doors confirmed the abrupt shutdown. The German-owned company cited “rising production costs, coupled with ongoing limitations in market demand” as the reasons that made continued U.S. production unsustainable.
WACO Aircraft was renowned for its specialization in handcrafted, vintage-style open-cockpit biplanes. These aircraft were based on iconic 1920s and 1930s designs but were equipped with modern avionics and safety features. The DIMOR Group acquired WACO in 2018 and had invested $12 million in expanding the Battle Creek facility just last year to include production of Junkers aircraft models. The closure comes less than a year after that expansion and mere weeks after WACO’s exhibit at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.
According to DIMOR’s marketing manager, all customer-ordered aircraft have been delivered, and the company has no outstanding creditors. The type certificates for the YMF-5 and Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 are available for purchase. Production of Junkers aircraft will continue at DIMOR’s facility in Oberndorf, Germany. The Centennial FBO at the airport will remain operational.
Source: General Aviation News