Motorcycle Maker Warns Of Problems At KC Facility
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
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From: Open Road, USA
Motorcycle Maker Warns Of Problems At KC Facility
(Kansas City) -- A popular national motorcycle manufacturer told local employees its business operations need help.
Officials from Harley Davidson warned employees in Kansas City yesterday that recent company studies show that if certain improvements are not made that it may be forced to consolidate local operations with final assembly operations at its facility in York, Pennsylvania.
The study in part said that the Kansas City side of the business has shown increases in cost as well as efficiency gaps.
The company said it's working to fix the problems and won't make any big decisions regarding Kansas City until the first quarter of 2011.
Officials from Harley Davidson warned employees in Kansas City yesterday that recent company studies show that if certain improvements are not made that it may be forced to consolidate local operations with final assembly operations at its facility in York, Pennsylvania.
The study in part said that the Kansas City side of the business has shown increases in cost as well as efficiency gaps.
The company said it's working to fix the problems and won't make any big decisions regarding Kansas City until the first quarter of 2011.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Wa. state
The study in part said that the Kansas City side of the business has shown increases in cost as well as efficiency gaps.
Gaps and cost increases, could be any number of things.
I don't like to see plant closures, downsizing, and jobs lost.
Often it seems that this concept of continuous improvement, increased profits, decrease operating costs, reduce span times, and improved efficiency, grows legs of its own. I relate it to stretching a rubberband. That rubberband will stretch a long, long way before it breaks, but eventually there is a yield point. Good is never good enough.
Usually when those rumors start flying, it is only a matter of time, because the plan has already been hatched.
Put that rumor out on the factory floor, keep a finger on the collective pulse, and see if the doom and gloom news will give the desired results.
employees trying to out do themselvs for fear of loosing their means of support. Even though it may be a done deal.
Gaps and cost increases, could be any number of things.
I don't like to see plant closures, downsizing, and jobs lost.
Often it seems that this concept of continuous improvement, increased profits, decrease operating costs, reduce span times, and improved efficiency, grows legs of its own. I relate it to stretching a rubberband. That rubberband will stretch a long, long way before it breaks, but eventually there is a yield point. Good is never good enough.
Usually when those rumors start flying, it is only a matter of time, because the plan has already been hatched.
Put that rumor out on the factory floor, keep a finger on the collective pulse, and see if the doom and gloom news will give the desired results.
employees trying to out do themselvs for fear of loosing their means of support. Even though it may be a done deal.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Just wish the workers Well .. Do the best you can and Assemble them with Quality maybe I got what they call Wednesday Bikes .. But never had a major issue with the 3 Harleys I bought New...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Jayhawk Country
I have actually been in this plant here in K.C. Doing other work there as a contractor. It seemed to the untrained eye that it ran like a well oiled machine. Unfortunately it is a sign of the times and it will more than likely close if the rumors are already flying. It's a nice facility and is very impressive to see it in action. I really think the issue is that sales are down and they are going to take it out on the employee's. But that's the easiest thing to do is cut head count. This is on the local news:
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Harley Davidson officials on Wednesday informed Kansas City employees that recent internal studies have shown significant cost, efficiency and production flexibility gaps in local operations.The company said in a news release that employees were told that if ways can't be found to address the gaps, the alternative would be for Harley Davidson to consolidate the Kansas City operations into the vehicle final assembly operations at its York, Pa., facility.Harley Davidson officials said they will continue to discuss ways to address the competitive gaps with the unions. The company said it expects to make a final decision regarding the Kansas City operations in the first quarter of 2011.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Harley Davidson officials on Wednesday informed Kansas City employees that recent internal studies have shown significant cost, efficiency and production flexibility gaps in local operations.The company said in a news release that employees were told that if ways can't be found to address the gaps, the alternative would be for Harley Davidson to consolidate the Kansas City operations into the vehicle final assembly operations at its York, Pa., facility.Harley Davidson officials said they will continue to discuss ways to address the competitive gaps with the unions. The company said it expects to make a final decision regarding the Kansas City operations in the first quarter of 2011.
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Nov 4, 2010 at 01:32 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Jayhawk Country
Very true, I know it would be the first thing I would get rid of. I'm sure all the repo's hasn't helped the cause either.