WMEP: Companies Launch Initiative to Strengthen U.S. Suppliers

Contacts:
Michael Klonsinski, WMEP, cell: 608-335-4217; office: 608-240-1740 Ext. 114
Bob Klein, Harley-Davidson, 414-343-4433
Kirsten Skyba, Oshkosh Truck, 920-233-9621
Ken Golden, Deere & Co., 309-765-5678

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – U.S.-based suppliers to major U.S. manufacturers will have an opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness through a new initiative created by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Deere & Company, Oshkosh Truck Corp. and the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP).

The announcement came during today’s Manufacturing Matters! Conference in Milwaukee, attended by 500 Wisconsin manufacturing executives.

“These companies recognize the importance of maintaining a strong U.S. supply base that can provide the flexibility, cost and quality necessary for their products to be competitive, ” said Michael Klonsinski, WMEP’s executive director.

The initiative is designed to help U.S.-based suppliers accelerate the adoption of practices that will improve the speed, quality, and cost of product delivery. The first phase provides resources for pilot supplier improvement projects, establishes a vehicle for the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and WMEP to share best practices in domestic supplier development, and leverages MEP services in other states to provide ongoing support to the OEMs’ Midwest supply base.

Oshkosh Truck Corp. president and CEO Robert G. Bohn pledged his company’s support in a statement read at the conference.

“Our companies sell and source products throughout the world,” Bohn said. “Through this initiative, we will collaborate on best practices for U.S. supplier development and expand our work with manufacturing extension partnerships in other states to help maintain a strong U.S. supply chain infrastructure.”

“All three of our companies have had an excellent working relationship with the Wisconsin MEP over the years and are impressed with its ability to help many of our suppliers improve their performance. We have been, and will continue to be, strong advocates for MEP support at the federal and state level,” Bohn said.

U.S.-based suppliers manufacture components and assemblies used by OEMs. In Wisconsin alone, Harley-Davidson, Deere and Oshkosh Truck spend more than $1 billion with manufacturers that employ 50,000 people in communities throughout Wisconsin.

Background:

Deere & Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. John Deere also manufacturers and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides worldwide financial services.

Oshkosh Truck Corp. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty commercial, fire and emergency and military trucks and truck bodies under the Oshkosh ®, McNeilus ® Pierce ®, Medtec ®, Geesink and Norba brand names.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise.

WMEP is a non-profit consulting organization that provides technical expertise and business assistance to help small and mid-size manufacturers become more competitive. WMEP is a leader in lean, ISO and supplier development. For more information, visit www.wmep.org.