MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson is temporarily suspending the majority of production at its U.S. manufacturing facilities after an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
The company said it closed its Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls Wednesday afternoon after an employee tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. Harley-Davidson is thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the building, per the company's coronavirus response protocol.
The suspension begins Wednesday evening, March 18, through March 29, "to help support employee health and further bolster coronavirus containment efforts."
"We recognize the unprecedented nature of this global crisis. In order to best support our employees and following the social distancing guidance issued by public health authorities, we are temporarily suspending the majority of
production at our U.S. manufacturing facilities," said Jochen Zeitz, acting CEO, and president, Harley-Davidson. "We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prioritize employee health and safety."
Harley-Davidson says they will continue monitoring the situation closely and make additional adjustments as necessary. The majority of its U.S. production employees will be on temporary layoff with medical benefits.
The company will use this time to continue deep cleaning and disinfecting its production areas and common areas to protect workers upon their return further.
Snap-on Inc. also says an associate in the Milwaukee manufacturing facility has tested positive for coronavirus.
Officials say in this case, the plant associate was asymptomatic but was tested after close contact with an individual outside of work who had symptoms.