Harley Davidson is Moving Some Production to Thailand in 2025

Harley Davidson has been having a rough time lately. First it was the DEI outrage this past summer, and now the recent announcement that some of their manufacturing will be moved to Thailand.

Harley-Davidson announced plans to temporarily transition production of its Revolution Max-powered models to Thailand for the 2025 model year. As a long-time Harley rider and enthusiast, I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal upon hearing this news.

harley davidson motorcycle in sunsetPhoto byDepositphotos

The Details of the Move

Harley-Davidson will be moving production of the Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster models to its existing manufacturing facility in Thailand. The company claims this is part of an overall manufacturing optimization strategy and that it will be investing an additional $9 million into its U.S. facilities as part of the move.

However, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents Harley factory workers, strongly condemns this decision. In 2019, Harley had assured that its Thailand plant would only serve Asian and European markets, but now the company is backtracking on that promise by planning to ship Thai-made bikes to the U.S.

Impact on American Workers

While Harley-Davidson maintains that this move will not impact employment at U.S. facilities, workers are understandably nervous about their future. IAM members in York, PA and Menomonee Falls, WI have been the backbone of Harley's success, and this decision feels like a kick in the teeth to their hard work and dedication to the company.

Local Harley employees expressed their concerns anonymously, stating, "We believe jobs are leaving but they don't want to say how many," and "It's coming. We can see the writing on the wall." The uncertainty surrounding their livelihoods is palpable.

Riders' Reactions

As a passionate Harley rider, I echo the sentiments of many in the community who feel outraged and betrayed by this move. The "made in the USA" badge has always been a point of pride for Harley owners, and the thought of our beloved bikes being manufactured overseas is a bitter pill to swallow.

Chuck Schmidt, a lifelong Harley enthusiast, stated that if the move becomes permanent, he is done with the brand. Downtown Waukesha bar owner Robert Gonzalez reported hearing similar statements from customers when the announcement was made. The consensus among riders seems to be that if Harley follows through with this plan, they will be selling their bikes and moving on from the brand.

A similar statement was said in response to the DEI strategies that Harley Davidson had in place. After lots of outrage, the company reversed their DEI policies. But some of the damage had already been done as far as loyal customers were concerned.

This move to Thailand it just an added negative addition to the brands name.

A Call to Action

Harley-Davidson needs to seriously reconsider this decision and prioritize the American workers and riders who have been the foundation of its success. As IAM president Brian Bryant stated, "Harley-Davidson needs to return to the drawing board and develop a solution that keeps the production of the Sport Series and Pan America bikes where they belong—in the United States."

We, as loyal Harley riders and supporters of American manufacturing, must make our voices heard. Let Harley-Davidson know that this move is unacceptable and that we stand with the hardworking men and women who have built this iconic brand. It's time for Harley to recommit to its American roots and the riders who have stood by them through thick and thin.

Sources:
https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2024/08/08/harley-davidson-moving-more-motorcycle-production-to-thailand/74721508007/

https://www.goiam.org/news/imail/iam-union-outraged-at-harley-davidsons-plans-to-move-production-to-thailand/