For those of us with bikes being built............... Good news is that the plant will reopen on Monday.
Harley closed for possible paint emission
CHRISTINA KAUFFMAN The York Dispatch
Updated: 04/23/2010 06:01:44 AM EDT
Harley-Davidson stopped production in its York and Kansas City plants after lunch today, sending employees home and citing a potentially harmful paint emission.
York plant spokesman Michael DiMauro said production isn't expected to resume until Monday, with employees taking the time as unpaid time off.
A paint manufacturer warned the company earlier this week that there's a possibility the paint used for coating motorcycle parts is emitting benzene, a carcinogen.
After Harley's preliminary tests showed there was "something worth looking into," the paint line was turned off, he said. Because there are no painted parts to assemble, all production is stalled, he said.
"We're just making sure we're within OSHA standards," DiMauro said.
He said the measure is "just a precaution," and he's not aware of anyone who has become ill or complained of symptoms as a result of exposure to the paint fumes.
DiMauro said the company plans to conduct more tests and "will take whatever corrective measures are necessary, if any."
He said it's not clear for which shift the plant is expected to reopen on Monday.