Harley Davidson Factory.

Take a tour of a Harley Davidson factory.

Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer that has been in business for over 100 years. The company operates several manufacturing facilities, including a factory in York, Pennsylvania that produces a wide range of motorcycle models.

The factory in York, Pennsylvania is a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes advanced technology and automation to produce motorcycle components and assemble final vehicles. The manufacturing process begins with raw materials, such as steel and aluminum, which are used to create engine and frame components. These components are then transported to the assembly line where they are assembled into completed motorcycles.

The factory employs a “Lean Manufacturing” approach which emphasizes efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement. This approach helps to reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve the overall quality of the final product.

In terms of supply chain, Harley-Davidson works with a global network of suppliers to acquire the raw materials and components required for the manufacturing process. This includes suppliers of steel, aluminum, and other metals, as well as suppliers of electronic components, engine parts, and other specialized components. The company also has a strong focus on supplier quality and supplier development, to ensure that the components and materials are of the highest quality and that the supplier relationships are strong.

Manufacturing Quotes

“For much of Toyota’s history, we have ensured the quality and reliability of our vehicles by placing a device called an andon cord on every production line – and empowering any team members to halt production if there’s an assembly problem. Only when the problem is resolved does the line begin to move again.” ~Akio Toyoda
“The Harley’s got a little too much torque when it comes to jumping.” ~Evel Knievel
“Eighty-five percent of the reasons for failure are deficiencies in the systems and process rather than the employee. The role of management is to change the process rather than badgering individuals to do better.” ~W. Edwards Deming
“I don’t ride a sport bike. If I’m riding a sport bike and trying to do tricks, and going 200 miles down the highway, that’s probably pretty stupid. But when you’re riding a Harley or a chopper, and you’re riding with a group of people and you’re not on the highway and you’re cruising, you’re relaxing.” ~Ben Roethlisberger
“If we reduce batch sizes by half, we also reduce by half the time it will take to process a batch. That means we reduce queue and wait by half as well. Reduce those by half, and we reduce by about half the total time parts spend in the plant. Reduce the time parts spend in the plant and our total lead time condenses. And with faster turn-around on orders, customers get their orders faster.” ~ Eliyahu Goldratt
“I’m proud to be Japanese and I wanted my country to succeed. I believed my system was a way that could help us become a modern industrial nation. That is why I had no problem with sharing it with other Japanese companies, even my biggest competitors.” ~ Taiichi Ohno
“A relentless barrage of “why’s” is the best way to prepare your mind to pierce the clouded veil of thinking caused by the status quo. Use it often.” ~ Shigeo Shingo