Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
H.Davidson is cutting cost left and right. We used to build a OEM product for them. They kept wanting a lesser price...
Eventually, we had to drop the contract. We were literally building that assembly "at cost". We had a GREAT relationship with Harley, but still they wanted a lesser price, meanwhile our cost was going up. SCREW THEM!
The line was shipped out two years ago. They don't support American business. It's all about outward image, and maintaining gross profits for the shareholders...
I am very frustrated with this kind of behavior too. I lost my job with a parts supplier (Valeo) due to free trade with Mexico, and I feel that I was lucky because I could pretty much find a job anywhere due to my trade skill. GM, H-D, etc. tell the supplier what they will pay, and that's it. If they can't make it for that price, then too bad. It's a very sad state to be in. In the long run, who is going to buy their products when no one is making any money?