The Governor says he’s not worried about the future of Harley Davidson in Wisconsin. The motorcycle maker recently told its workers that profit losses and growing expenses could force them to move production out of the Badger State. Governor Jim Doyle says he’s not surprised by the development because people have been putting off buying luxury items, such as motorcycles, because of tough economic times.
However, Doyle says that won’t last forever and customers will return. He says the state is willing to work with company officials to help them cut costs and keep operations in Wisconsin.
The situation is similar to that of Mercury Marine, which threatened to leave Fond du Lac because of declining profits. The company eventually decided to stay in Wisconsin and brought in more jobs from Oklahoma, but only after a series of tax incentives were offered by state and local officials.
Doyle doesn’t believe though that Harley Davidson is threatening to leave just to get a similar type of deal.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:59)