Harley-Davidson to Expand York County Pa.Operation
Pennsylvania Gov. Ridge Announces One of America's Most Recognized And Respected Companies to Stay and Grow in Pennsylvania
Harley-Davidson to Expand York County Operation, Adding 275 New Jobs To
Existing Workforce of 3,000
$145 Million Investment Will Increase Manufacturing Capacity For World-Class
Motorcycles
SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa., July 11 Joining thousands of
Harley-Davidson employees on the company's motorcycle test track, Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Ridge today announced that Harley-Davidson Motor Company plans to
build a new manufacturing facility on the site of its existing assembly plant
in York County, creating 275 new jobs and retaining about 3,000 jobs.
Construction of the new $145 million, 350,000-square-foot facility, which
will begin upon receipt of necessary permits, is expected to take about two
years.
"Pennsylvania is a big fan of Harley-Davidson, and today's announcement
affirms that Harley-Davidson is a big fan of Pennsylvania," Gov. Ridge said.
"When Harley-Davidson made the smart decision to move its assembly operations
to York in 1973, they immediately learned what we've always known -- that
Pennsylvania's workers are the best in the world. Just ask any `H.O.G.' owner
who climbs onto a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and they'll tell you about the
quality product made right here in Pennsylvania. We make stuff in
Pennsylvania -- the best stuff in the world.
"That's why I'm so proud today to announce that one of this nation's
manufacturing icons has decided to stay and grow right here -- adding 275 new
employees to its existing workforce of more than 3,000. International
companies like Harley-Davidson have choices. They could have built this new
facility anywhere in the world. But they know a good thing when they have it
-- and that's exactly what they have here in Pennsylvania."
Gov. Ridge was joined by Bill Dannehl, Vice President and General Manager
of Harley-Davidson's York operation and Harry Smith, President of Local 175,
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The Governor's Action Team -- economic-development professionals who
report directly to Gov. Ridge -- worked with Harley-Davidson to make this
project a reality. Gov. Ridge has agreed to provide $9.4 million to support
the Harley-Davidson project. The financial package includes an Opportunity
Grant, Job Creation Tax Credits, a Customized Job Training grant and
assistance from the Department of Transportation.
"Increasing our manufacturing capacity is a critical component of our
strategic plan," said Jeffrey Bleustein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Harley-Davidson. "There's a strong unmet demand in the marketplace and, by
building more motorcycles, we will fulfill the dreams of more customers.
"Locating the new plant in York will allow us to take advantage of the
experienced and knowledgeable workforce we already have in the area. We
extend our sincere thanks to Gov. Ridge and the Commonwealth for supporting
our project."
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle
manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of
motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Production of
motorcycles at the York facility, which currently employs about 3,000 workers,
began in 1973. The property encompasses 232 acres with 1.2 million square
feet of space under roof. The York plant currently provides machining,
fabrication, paint and final assembly of the Dyna, Softail and Touring models,
and builds limited-edition custom models. York also manufactures current and
non-current replacement parts.
Under the Ridge Administration, Pennsylvania families and employers have
saved $17 billion through tax cuts, workers' compensation reform, reduced red
tape and electric deregulation. These savings have helped to create nearly
500,000 new jobs.
CONTACT: Steve Aaron, Deputy Director of Communications of the
Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, 717-783-1116.
