Harley-Davidson is accelerating its commitment to domestic manufacturing with plans to return production of its Revolution Max engine to the United States, marking a significant step in the company’s broader effort to reinforce its industrial footprint and restore long-term growth.
The motorcycle manufacturer announced Tuesday that production of the Revolution Max engine will be reshored to the U.S., alongside manufacturing activities for the Pan America, Sportster S and Nightster models that rely on the powertrain. The move represents one of the most significant industrial decisions under the company’s recently unveiled “Back to the Bricks” strategy.
Introduced last month, the recovery plan is designed to improve Harley-Davidson’s financial performance, regain market share and strengthen relationships with its dealer network. Company leaders see the reshoring initiative as a key component of that broader transformation effort.
As production returns to the United States, Harley-Davidson will bring several critical manufacturing operations back to its facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These activities include machining, powertrain assembly, painting and final vehicle assembly, reinforcing the role of its domestic plants within the company’s global production network.
The transition is expected to be completed before manufacturing begins for Harley-Davidson’s 2028 model-year motorcycles, with production scheduled to start in 2027. The company also anticipates building more than 100,000 motorcycles at its York, Pennsylvania, facility during 2027, highlighting the scale of the planned expansion.
According to Harley-Davidson, evolving U.S. trade policies and continued volatility in global trade markets are creating new opportunities for manufacturers to increase investments in domestic production. These changing conditions have driven the company to expand its American manufacturing base and reduce its reliance on overseas operations.
The company said the decision has been “under consideration for several months and reflects a long-term focus on improving our manufacturing capabilities and operational resiliency.”
The reshoring initiative is closely aligned with the company’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy, which also includes efforts to maximize the motorcycle product life cycle and enhance the company’s parts and accessories business. Harley-Davidson believes these initiatives will contribute to stronger profitability and a more competitive market position in the years ahead.
Bill Davidson, Vice President of Harley-Davidson and great-grandson of co-founder William A. Davidson, described the move as another important milestone in the company’s recovery journey. He noted that bringing production activities back to the United States reflects the brand’s commitment to investing in American manufacturing while reinforcing the values that have helped make Harley-Davidson one of the world’s most recognizable motorcycle brands.
By relocating Revolution Max engine production and associated motorcycle assembly operations back to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson is betting on domestic manufacturing as a foundation for future growth, operational efficiency and renewed competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.
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