| Author | Message | ||
     Two_buells |
Full story here http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11528763 Harley-Davidson is reporting this morning it plans to cut about 1,100 jobs companywide over the next two years as it cuts production by up to 13 percent | ||
| Court |
These stories interest me. I wish I was more tuned in because I can't help but think there are some better and more exciting ways for HD to deal with the changing market place. It **looks** to me like they see everything simply as the current demand for their product. I can't help but think announcements like "we plan to cut 1,100 jobs" have a tremendous current impact on those currently employed there, in terms of attitude. Thanks for the "heads up", I'll want to watch this play out. Any feel for how this is being accepted by the folks at York? | ||
| Davegess |
http://www.jsonline.com/business/38211079.html Here is the same story form Milwaukee | ||
| Two_buells |
From: http://www.inyork.com/business/ci_11528763 In an interview today, Jim Ziemer, the company's outgoing chief executive, said about 650 of the cuts will be in Wisconsin, while more than 400 jobs will be lost at its facility in York. About 85 cuts will be made at the company's motorcycle plant in Kansas City, Mo., he said. The company said the cuts include 800 hourly production positions and 300 non-production, mostly salaried positions. It said 70 percent of the job cuts will occur this year and the rest in 2010. | ||
| 46champ |
Does any one know what the normal turn over in personel would be from retirements and other reasons in a years time? | ||
| Spank |
I think thats why its not all happening right away. I'm sure there will be plenty of retirees in the next few years. | ||
| Jammin_joules |
In the first quarter of 2009, the Company plans to ship between 74,000 and 78,000 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a 3.0 percent to 8.5 percent increase versus the first quarter of 2008. However, for the full year 2009, the Company plans to ship between 264,000 and 273,000 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a 10 percent to 13 percent reduction from 2008. “We reduced our production levels prudently in 2008, helping our dealers achieve lower inventory levels,” said Ziemer, “and we’re going to show similar discipline in 2009. That’s not only critical for the health of our business, but for our dealers’ businesses, as well.” Strategy for the Current Economic Environment The Company is executing a three-part strategy that includes a number of measures to deal with the impact of the recession and worldwide slowdown in consumer demand, with the intent of strengthening its operations and financial results going forward. “Our strategy is focused on three critical areas: to invest in the Harley-Davidson brand, get our cost-structure right, and obtain funding for HDFS to help our dealers sell motorcycles and our retail customers to buy them,” said Ziemer. Investing in the Brand The Company is reinforcing its support of the Harley-Davidson brand, accelerating its ongoing marketing efforts to reach out to emerging rider groups, including younger and diverse riders. In addition, the Company will continue to focus on product innovations targeted at specific growth opportunities with its strong core customer base and new riders. In the U.S., the Company said its Sportster® motorcycle trade-up program is being well-received by dealers and consumers and is generating new floor traffic during the winter months. The program lets riders who already own a qualifying Sportster motorcycle, or who buy a new Sportster motorcycle, receive back the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price value when they trade up to a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycle at participating dealerships. Outside the U.S., the Company will continue to support the product, dealer development and marketing activities which, during the last several years, have helped drive strong retail sales growth. “Among other things, the Harley-Davidson brand stands for strength and resilience, and we’re managing the business in this economic climate in ways that we believe will build long-term value into the brand,” said Ziemer. Adjusting the Cost Structure As a result of motorcycle volume reduction and the Company’s commitment to improve its cost structure, Harley-Davidson plans to: * Consolidate its two engine and transmission plants in the Milwaukee area into its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis. * Consolidate paint and frame operations at its assembly facility in York, Pa. * Close its distribution facility in Franklin, Wis., consolidating Parts and Accessories and General Merchandise distribution through a third party. * Discontinue its domestic transportation fleet operation. |
