Photo: Harley-Davidson
Another day, another manufacturer is announcing plans to halt production in U.S. plants. Harley-Davidson has announced all operations will be suspended for at least the remainder of the month.
On March 18, an employee at the Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations tested positive for the new Coronavirus, COVID-19, the company says in a press release. As a result, the decision has been made to halt production at all factories for at least two weeks.
York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania, and Tomahawk Operations and Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations in Wisconsin have temporarily shut down, the press release says. The decision is in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and could be extended at a later time, depending on future developments.
The facilities will remain closed at least until March 29, during which time staff will be on temporary leave with medical benefits. Only business-critical staff will continue working, while practicing social distancing by working remotely.
Also during this time, production areas will undergo “deep cleaning and disinfecting” in accordance with CDC guidelines, so as to be safe when workers return.
“We recognize the unprecedented nature of this global crisis. In order to best support our employees and following the social distancing guidance issued by public health authorities, we are temporarily suspending the majority of production at our U.S. manufacturing facilities,” Jochen Zeitz, acting CEO and president of Harley-Davidson, says.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prioritize employee health and safety,” Zeitz adds.
Earlier this week, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee suspended all public activity, following recommendations to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people and practice social distancing. With the temporary closing of the facilities, Harley-Davidson is also canceling all HD-sponsored events until the middle of April.
York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania, and Tomahawk Operations and Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations in Wisconsin have temporarily shut down, the press release says. The decision is in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and could be extended at a later time, depending on future developments.
The facilities will remain closed at least until March 29, during which time staff will be on temporary leave with medical benefits. Only business-critical staff will continue working, while practicing social distancing by working remotely.
Also during this time, production areas will undergo “deep cleaning and disinfecting” in accordance with CDC guidelines, so as to be safe when workers return.
“We recognize the unprecedented nature of this global crisis. In order to best support our employees and following the social distancing guidance issued by public health authorities, we are temporarily suspending the majority of production at our U.S. manufacturing facilities,” Jochen Zeitz, acting CEO and president of Harley-Davidson, says.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prioritize employee health and safety,” Zeitz adds.
Earlier this week, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee suspended all public activity, following recommendations to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people and practice social distancing. With the temporary closing of the facilities, Harley-Davidson is also canceling all HD-sponsored events until the middle of April.
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