| Subject: |
|
Harley temporarily stops production |
| Name: |
|
RICK BARRETT |
| Date Posted: |
|
Jun 20, 08 - 5:01 AM |
| Web Page |
|
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=764139 |
| Message: |
|
Harley temporarily stops production
Capitol Drive plant is closed this week, Tomahawk plant will close June 22-30
Harley-Davidson temporarily shut down its Capitol Drive plant this week as the company eases back motorcycle production.
Company officials said the Tomahawk plant will be closed June 23-30, also to ease off production.
Both production cutbacks were announced in April when Harley also said it was cutting 730 jobs, including hundreds at its Milwaukee headquarters and Wisconsin factories.
Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles fell 5.6% in the most recent quarter that ended March 30, compared with the same period a year earlier. Harley’s sales in the U.S. fell nearly 13% as consumers felt economic jitters and closed their checkbooks.
As a result of the slowdown, Harley plans to cut this year’s motorcycle shipments by 23,000 to 27,000 bikes. For the full year, it means the company expects to ship between 303,500 and 307,500 motorcycles — at least 7% below last year.
On Thursday, Harley-Davidson Inc. Chief Financial Officer Thomas Bergmann said the motorcycle-maker expects international sales growth in 2008 amid a “tough year” in its domestic market.
“Given the strength we are seeing, we’re going to continue to increase investment in international markets, and we’re going to continue to increase shipments” overseas, Bergmann said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.
“There’s no doubt we’re being significantly challenged in the U.S.,” he said.
Harley is “tightening” overall U.S. spending and curtailing capital investment, Bergmann said. He said the company hasn’t cut back on marketing and product development. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey Webmasters! Get a free website with holiday themes - Get it NOW!
Reply
Forum
bravenet.com