HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S
Earlier this year, LiveWire introduced electric patrol motorcycles for police departments, manufactured at Harley- Davidson’s Pennsylvania facility. These bikes offer lower heat output, minimal vibration, and improved maneuverability—features well suited for urban and event security use. Electri cation introduces new supply chain complexities, from battery sourcing and thermal management to new supplier relationships and production processes— marking a fundamental shift from Harley-Davidson’s traditional engine- centric operations. To increase capacity and serve international markets more ef ciently, Harley-Davidson has expanded production in Thailand, including plans to manufacture Pan America, Sportster, and Nightster models there. The move sparked backlash from labor groups and “Made in America” advocates. The company has responded by emphasizing that it will continue to design and primarily manufacture its most iconic models in the United States, while overseas production supports global growth and operational exibility. Simultaneously, Harley-Davidson announced a $9-million investment in its U.S. facilities, reinforcing domestic capabilities for core products. GLOBAL FOOTPRINT, LOCAL TENSIONS A SUPPLY CHAIN IN TRANSITION Harley-Davidson’s supply chain today re ects a company balancing heritage with transformation. Advanced manufacturing, disciplined inventory management, electri cation, and selective offshoring are reshaping how—and where—its motorcycles are built. For a brand de ned by the past, the future will depend on how effectively its supply chain supports innovation without eroding authenticity. As Harley-Davidson navigates shifting markets and technologies, one thing remains clear: The road ahead will be paved as much by supply chain strategy as by steel and chrome.
10 SUPPLY CHAIN FACTS ABOUT HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1. Manufacturing is a brand strategy. Harley-Davidson’s supply chain is designed to reinforce its “Made in America” identity, with core production anchored in U.S. facilities. 2. York, Pennsylvania is a production hub. The company’s York facility manufactures several major motorcycle platforms and integrates welding, painting, finishing, and machining under one roof.
3. The company builds its engines by hand. Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin engines are assembled in Wisconsin with a high degree of manual labor to maintain tight tolerances and consistent quality. 4. Automation supports—not replaces—craftsmanship. Robotics and advanced manufacturing handle repetitive and hazardous tasks, while skilled workers focus on complex assembly and quality checks. 5. Just-in-time drives efficiency. Harley-Davidson relies on a pull-based, just-in-time inventory model to reduce excess stock and improve production flow. 6. Inventory protects brand value. The company deliberately reduced production to limit discounting, using supply discipline to preserve pricing power and desirability. 7. Every bike is quality-verified. Multi-stage inspections and test rides are built directly into the production process, reducing downstream disruptions. 8. Electrification changes the supplier mix. LiveWire electric motorcycles introduce new supply chain requirements, including battery sourcing and electronics integration. 9. Global production increases flexibility. Facilities in Brazil and Thailand support international markets and help balance capacity across regions. 10. U.S. investment continues alongside offshoring. Even as some models move overseas, Harley-Davidson continues to invest in domestic facilities to support its most iconic products.
144 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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