Harley-Davidson could close Milwaukee factory

American brand claims labour costs are too high. May be just policital sandbagging

Harley-Davidson has warned that it might close down all its manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, including the legendary Milwaukee base, claiming that labour costs there are too high, and that other states might offer a better deal.

While it might be little more than a scare tactic, aimed at persuading the state of Wisconsin to offer the firm a better deal to stay there as a major employer, if the threat is carried out it would end the Milwaukee manufacturing heritage that can be traced back to the foundation of the firm more than 100 years ago.