Many manufacturers linked to Harley-Davidson Motor Co. remain tight-lipped about the motorcycle-makers' decision to stay in York County, but others said they're relieved the plant -- and its workers -- will stay.

Surtech Industries, a metal finishing plant in York City, has worked with Harley since 1983.

Company president Terry Spisak said he was happy to hear the board of directors' official announcement Thursday and hopes it signals the beginning of economic recovery.

"Everybody is down, not just one sector or unit, but everyone we deal with," he said adding that Harley's need to trim operations is typcial of what many businesess have done for the past 18 months. "We're waiting for (economic) recovery and I hope this is the start of it."

Officials at Hanover-based Leonhart Manufacturing and Stambaugh Metal Finishing, both of which provide services to Harley, declined comment. MPC Industries in Lancaster County issued a statement saying the decision is "great for the community and for morale."

Dealership higher-ups in Manchester Township and Lancaster County also welcomed the news saying the relationship with workers is symbiotic: they build, dealers sell.

Heather Goodwin at Laugerman Harley-Davidson says the company has had its ups and downs, but that Harley has prevailed for 106 years.

The family-owned dealership relocated from McSherrystown in 1955 to its Route 30 location where she said it has benefitted from plant tours and employees.

"If the plant had left, it definitely would have had a negative impact on South Central Pennsylvania," Goodwin said, adding that the economy also has factored into slumping sales.

Randy Texter, president and owner of Lancaster Harley-Davidson-Buell, says his family "bleeds orange and black."

The dealership isn't affected much by the plant, but he appreciates it all the same.

"I've been riding since I was 4 years old, I grew up in the dealership," said Texter, who is now 47. "My parents brought me home from the hospital and rode me around the block on a Harley before I ever went into the house."

He said there have been numerous changes over the years and that he still believes the product is viable against foreign competition.

"Obviously, we'd have lost employees who have passion for the product they build," Texter said. "On the other side, manufacturing at the plant was getting out of line price wise compared to other areas of the country."

- Reach Kathy Stevens at 505-5437 or kstevens@yorkdispatch.com.