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Rendell: I’ll work to keep Harley in York County
Gov. Ed Rendell said he will do what is necessary to keep
Harley-Davidson Inc.‘s largest factory in York County.
In a letter yesterday to Harley Chief Executive Officer and
President Keith Wandell, Rendell said he was “committed … to doing everything
in my power to ensure that your firm maintains its presence as a major employer
in (the southcentral) region.”
“I am prepared to deploy all resources at my disposal
including economic development assistance for plant upgrades and infrastructure
improvements and support for worker training and re-training,” Rendell wrote.
Harley last week announced it was evaluating the Springettsbury Township plant and considering the
possibility of moving it. More than 2,000 people work at the plant and local
companies supply it with parts and equipment. Local business leaders have said
losing Harley would be a major blow.
Rendell today released the letter, which is a follow-up to a
phone call the governor had with Wandell. Rendell said in the letter that he
has directed George Cornelius, secretary of the state’s Department of Community
and Economic Development, to meet with local Harley managers.
Pennsylvania’s
Democratic U.S. senators, Robert P. Casey Jr. and Arlen Specter, last week sent
Wandell a similar letter.
Harley shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HOG.
