Governor Rendell Says Pennsylvania is Committed to Keeping Harley-Davidson in York

Asks Top State Official to Meet with Company's CEO

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 22 Governor Edward G. Rendell, expressing a commitment to the future of Harley-Davidson's York plant, has directed his top economic development official to meet with the company's management and has put the full range of the state's economic development tools on the table.

In a letter yesterday to Harley-Davidson Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell, Governor Rendell noted the importance of the company's York manufacturing facility to the economy of south-central Pennsylvania and expressed his commitment to ensuring that the company remains a major employer in the region.

"I view it as an important role of state government, especially in these challenging times, to step up and support our industries, particularly those whose economic impact is so significant to the commonwealth," the Governor wrote in his letter. "For that reason, I have asked my Secretary of Community and Economic Development, George Cornelius, to meet with your management team in York to gain a thorough understanding of the issues confronted by that facility so that we can identify any means of support that we can provide."

Governor Rendell said he will consider the full range of Pennsylvania's economic development programs, including assistance towards plant upgrades, infrastructure improvements and support for worker training and re-training.

Harley-Davidson's plant in York, the company's largest manufacturing facility, covers more than 230 acres and includes more than 1.5 million square feet. It employs approximately 2,400 people.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.