Temporary layoffs at Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
The Staff of Clutch and Chrome
June 19th 2008
Harley-Davidson
is trying to ride through the stormy economic times by
expanding into profitable international markets and limiting
production to
only what can be sold.
A company
spokesman announced the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer is laying off workers at its Springettsbury
Township facility next week beginning Monday. The week layoff is in
addition to Harley's planned shutdown from June 30 through
July 3.
 Officials at Harley-Davidson indicated similar lay-offs were
a possibility for the future as the company weathers
difficult days in the American motorcycle market.
In 2007
analysts from Wall Street and investment groups expressed
concerns
Harley could continue its record-breaking sales growth.
Doubts turned into real numbers on the company's 2008 first
quarter financial statements were down. In cost-cutting
efforts about 300 workers from the Springettsbury operation,
in addition to another 70 production workers in Milwaukee.
Like many
manufacturing companies restructuring its workforce
Harley-Davidson is looking to potential retirees who are
currently receiving information about an early retirement
package in Springettsbury Township.
Harley plans to cut about 360 nonproduction workers
companywide.
The June 30 to July 3 shutdown is to allow for the company's
annual lines changes to make new motorcycles for the next
model year.
The current
economic challenges aren't limited to the motorcycle
industry however. According to
a report from the
Associated Press, nearly one-third of America's top executives expect to cut payrolls in the coming months, reflecting fallout from the housing bust as well as soaring energy prices.
The number of layoffs for the week beginning Monday were not
immediately known. |
