For more than 120 years, Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with American manufacturing grit—hand-built engines, steel frames, and a fiercely loyal customer base that values authenticity as much as horsepower. But behind the roar of its iconic V-twin engines lies a carefully orchestrated supply chain that blends tradition with modern manufacturing discipline.
From just-in-time inventory systems to advanced automation and a growing global footprint, Harley-Davidson’s supply chain has become a strategic lever as the company adapts to changing markets, new technologies, and shifting customer expectations.
From Backyard Shed to Global Network
William Harley and brothers Arthur, Walter, and William Davidson founded the company in Milwaukee in 1903, with headquarters in a modest 10- by15-foot wooden shed. Early experimentation—modifying a bicycle with a small engine—quickly gave way to innovation, racing credibility, and a reputation for durability and craftsmanship.
That legacy still shapes Harley-Davidson’s operations today. The original factory site remains the company’s headquarters, a symbolic reminder that manufacturing is central to the brand’s identity—even as its supply chain has expanded far beyond Wisconsin.







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