Monday, May 10, 2010

They’re Watching

Just in case you thought that only folks in Wisconsin were watching Harley-Davidson…

Harley-Davidson initially had considered four alternate locations: Kansas City, Mo.; Shelbyville, Ind., near Indianapolis; Murfreesboro, Tenn., in suburban Nashville, Tenn.; and Shelbyville, Ky., in Oldham County near Louisville. Harley-Davidson eventually narrowed its focus to the Oldham County location before deciding to remain in Pennsylvania.

Klein declined to say whether the Kentucky site, or any of the other communities previously examined, will be considered as viable alternatives for Harley-Davidson’s manufacturing operations in Wisconsin.

This was interesting too:

In late 2006, Wisconsin offered a $4.5 million tax-incentive package aimed at encouraging job growth and a major capital investment at Harley-Davidson Inc.’s operations.

However, Harley-Davidson did not receive any of the tax credits because it never met the required job goals.

“They simply didn’t go forward with the project, so no credits were allocated,” Wisconsin Department of Commerce spokesman Tony Hozeny said.

“We didn’t take advantage of the tax credit program because we didn’t reach the job numbers attached to it,” Harley-Davidson spokesman Bob Klein said.

Economic conditions forced Harley-Davidson to cut motorcycle production, which precluded the company from hiring employees, he said.

Harley-Davidson is clearly in a pickle in the economy.  It may be that they are beyond the point of any taxpayer hand outs doing them any good.

(6) Comments
Posted by Owen at 1246 hrs
Economy + Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

  1. I toured the KC factory last Friday afternoon.  The parking lots were about 1/4 full.  I hope they can pull out of this.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 10, 2010 at 2010 hrs


  2. The world economy is so bad that Sweden has started the same home loan program to boost there economy that has cost us trillions. (/desperate) It may be a while for large consumer purchases.

    I think Harley could find the same deal here in Wisconsin as it could find anywhere but they should do whatever they need to survive.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 11, 2010 at 0606 hrs


  3. IF they aren’t done, cap and trade will certainly finish them off. The days of obnoxiously loud, antiquated and crude motorcycles broken down on the side of the interstate are coming to an end… It will be terrible for Milwaukee to see Harley go.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 11, 2010 at 0653 hrs


  4. To quibble a bit…  the bikes are not loud coming out of the factory.  In fact, the company has spent tens of millions, probably more than $100M in the past 15 years trying to meet ever-tougher government noise regulations.  Then the owners get the bikes and promptly drill out the mufflers or put on straight pipes.  Which prompts another noise regulation.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 11, 2010 at 0951 hrs


  5. quibble acknowledged and accepted.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 11, 2010 at 1049 hrs


  6. Harley-Davidson is clearly in a pickle in the economy.

    Yep, And El Bunto did a great job of listing some of the reasons why.

    Demand for their widget is going away and nothing in the world ahead of us suggests that is going to change.

    They are going to have to get smaller.

    I believe that if Harley moves out of Milwaukee it is their death knell.

    Anybody want to ride some “Shanghai Iron”?

    I wonder if they will keep the museum here?

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 11, 2010 at 1055 hrs


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