Harley-Davidson won't build new plant in East Troy

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Harley-Davidson has changed its mind about building a new plant in East Troy to consolidate its Buell Motorcycle division.

The $10 million project was announced last week. But Harley spokeswoman Rebecca Bortner said executives took a fresh look at it, and decided that Buell can manage its capital spending better in its current locations.

The new plant would have consolidated five production and office buildings into a 163,000 square-foot plant.

But Bortner says the current set-up lets Buell operate as flexible as possible, as the recession keeps reducing motorcycle sales.

Also, she says the firm wants to focus on the Harley product itself.

The Milwaukee firm said last week it might close its facility in York, Penn.

Tags: harley davidson, east troy, buell motorcycle, news, wisconsin