Penske Logistics To Manage Harley-Davidson's Processes in Brazil

Harley-Davidson has selected Penske Logistics to manage its logistics processes in Brazil.

Penske developed a customized methodology of work and new roles inside the South American-based distribution center to meet the clients’ deadlines, demands and distribution flows. This work includes receiving, separating and distributing pieces, merchandising material, accessories, and clothing.

“We are very pleased to be providing services for Harley-Davidson in the country, as it demonstrates our expertise in the automotive segment and the level of specialization that we provide to every client. We are committed to this relationship and happy with the results we have already achieved,” said Paulo Sarti, managing director of Penske Logistics, South America.

Harley-Davidson expects motorcycle sales outside the U.S. to exceed 40 percent in its 2014 production. To reach this target, markets such as Brazil are considered strategic for the company.

“We really care about our post-sale activities. To ensure the efficiency in this process, we can now count on a logistics partner who is able to manage the entire distribution effectively,” said Longino Morawski, commercial director manager for Harley-Davidson Brazil.

Since the start of the collaboration in January 2012, Penske Logistics has re-engineered the logistics processes to accelerate the separation of product lines. From 1,988 lines in January, it had a peak to 6,841 in April, ensuring greater flexibility in shipping requests.

The layout of the warehouse operation was also specially designed to allow category separation of items and is enabled with RFID, electric forklifts and pallet trucks for greater efficiency in handling inbound and outbound shipments.

Prior to this recent business relationship in Brazil, Penske and Harley-Davidson have also done business together in the United States over the years. The company has provided a variety of transportation-related services including full-service truck leasing, truck rentals, truck fleet maintenance and, more recently, dedicated contract carriage services.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.