Contacts: Carla Vigue, Office of Governor Doyle, 608-261-2162
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Tax Credits Tied to 200 New Jobs, Retention of 4,100 Jobs
Governor Jim Doyle today announced that Harley-Davidson Motor Company will receive $4.5 million in enterprise zone jobs tax credits from the Department of Commerce to support an expansion of its Menomonee Falls facility, ongoing workforce training and development, and the continued growth of Harley-Davidson in Wisconsin.
“A few weeks ago, many thought these additional jobs were heading out of Wisconsin, but the company, the union, and my administration never gave up,” Governor Doyle said. “Because of our work together Harley will expand right here in Wisconsin and retain its operations in this state. People all over the world know that the greatest motorcycles are made by Harley-Davidson right here in Wisconsin. I am confident that Harley will continue to grow in Wisconsin and will always be proud to call Wisconsin home.”
The tax credits are tied to plans by Harley-Davidson to invest $300 million in the state over the next several years and will be used to facilitate the creation of up to 200 additional jobs and retention of the company’s approximate 4,100 existing Wisconsin jobs. About 100 of those new jobs are related to the planned Menomonee Falls plant expansion.
“Harley-Davidson is excited about moving forward with the expansion of air-cooled engine and transmission operations in Wisconsin,” said Jim McCaslin, Harley-Davidson Motor Company president and chief operating officer. “Governor Doyle and the Department of Commerce were extremely supportive and engaged throughout our decision-making process on the expansion.”
“The men and women who make Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a testament to the quality workforce we have in this state. And Harley is not only one of our state’s greatest companies, they are also one of our finest corporate citizens – committed to this state and to its future,” Governor Doyle said.
After considering expansion outside Wisconsin, the company and members of Local 2-209 of the United Steel Workers came to an agreement to expand powertrain facilities in Milwaukee – an expansion that will enable the company create new jobs in this state. Governor Doyle worked closely with the leadership of both the company and the union over many weeks to make sure that the powertrain expansion happens right here in Wisconsin.
