(IN PHOTO: CEO Jochen Zeitz during a 2021 visit to Harley-Davidson’s Pennsylvania plant)
Harley-Davidson Inc. named a new third-party logistics provider for its York, Pennsylvania, plant, allaying local fears of possible job losses from the change.
Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) selected Bonita Springs, Florida-based Comprehensive Logistics Co. Inc., according to a press release. The two companies said they are partnering “to ramp up production and support the positive projected demand for H-D’s legendary motorcycles.”
Harley-Davidson executives said on Oct. 26 that the company increased global motorcycle shipments by 19% for the quarter that ended Sept. 30. Executives said Harley recovered from a temporary plant shutdown in May due to “regulatory compliance issues” with a brake-hose supplier.
The announcement on the new logistics firm in York followed local reports that Syncreon, a third-party logistics company serving Harley-Davidson, filed a layoff notice affecting 637 workers with the state of Pennsylvania.
Harley-Davidson’s selection team said the company chose Comprehensive Logistics “based on their proprietary technology, commitment to quality, HR engagement and continuous improvement,” the press release stated.
Comprehensive Logistics said its immediate focus involves transitioning employees from the current logistics provider to the new provider. Comprehensive Logistics said it anticipates retaining current employees and increasing staffing in 2023 “to add a significant number of jobs” in the York area.
The hourly workforce will be represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2948, which also represents employees at Syncreon in York.
The York facility is Harley-Davidson’s vehicle operations plant, assembles motorcycles and performs other manufacturing functions. The company in August reached a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 at the York plant.
Syncreon U.S., which is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, also had been the logistics firm for Harley-Davidson’s now-closed plant in Kansas City. Syncreon provided advanced warehouse services, subassembly, sequencing and just-in-time delivery, consolidation and packing of export shipments for overseas production, and aftermarket parts distribution.