How Janus Motorcycles Masters a Hyper-Local Supply Chain (Modern Machine Shop Podcast Feature)

In a special episode of the Modern Machine Shop “Made In America” podcast, Janus Motorcycles’ hyper-local supply chain strategy was showcased — revealing how most components come from businesses located just miles from the company’s Goshen, Indiana headquarters.

This local manufacturing network balances community investment, craftsmanship, and supply chain resilience. Below we break down what makes this approach unique and why it’s a strategic advantage for Janus and riders alike.

What Is a Hyper-Local Supply Chain?

A hyper-local supply chain refers to sourcing parts and services from suppliers located in close geographic proximity to your business. For us at Janus Motorcycles, that means many of the suppliers contributing parts are within just a few miles of the Goshen HQ – including Amish craftsmen and companies tied to the region’s dominant RV manufacturing industry. Listen to more at Modern Machine Shop: Made in the USA Season 2 Episode 5: A Motorcycle Supply Chain in Amish Country.

This approach:

• Reduces transportation emissions and time

• Builds deep community economic ties

• Improves quality through face-to-face collaboration

In Janus’s case, while most parts come from local vendors, critical components like the engine are still sourced from outside the U.S., balancing local craftsmanship with global performance needs.

Why This Matters

Traditional motorcycle production often involves complex global supply chains that span continents. Janus’ approach contrasts sharply with this model because:

1. Quality Control and Collaboration

By working with local suppliers, Janus engineers and founders can visit partners quickly, guide precision work, and solve problems faster than distant sourcing allows.

2. Supporting Local Economies

Sourcing locally keeps revenue circulating within the community — from small machine shops to Amish metal workers and beyond.

3. Efficient Iteration

Faster prototyping and shorter lead times mean product improvements happen quicker, benefiting both manufacturing and rider experience.

Modern Machine Shop Magazine — a respected North American CNC machining publication founded in 1928 — chose to spotlight this model because it reflects a broader trend: localized excellence can thrive even in a globalized economy.

Janus Motorcycles on the “Made In America” Podcast

In the podcast episode, Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson spoke with Janus founder Richard Worsham during an early-morning “Milk Run” of supplier visits in Elkhart County, Indiana. Listen to the Janus Motorcycles on MMS podcast here.

Donaldson’s coverage highlights:

• How the local parts ecosystem functions

• The blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern machining

• What it means to balance local sourcing with global components

• Janus’s unique place in the U.S. motorcycle manufacturing landscape

You can listen to the full episode directly on most podcast platforms or via the embed below.

What This Means for Riders and Brand Values

A hyper-local supply chain isn’t just a manufacturing choice — it’s part of Janus’s brand identity.

Craftsmanship Over Commodities

Instead of massive overseas outsourcing, Janus prioritizes local artisans and precision shops.
This commitment aligns with the company’s philosophy: motorcycles should be handcrafted, character-driven machines.

Community and Regional Identity

Linking with local Amish and RV-industry suppliers strengthens community roots and reinforces Janus as a Made In America brand — not just in tagline, but in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does “hyper-local supply chain” mean?

A hyper-local supply chain sources parts and services from vendors located near a company’s headquarters, reducing transit times and building local economic ties.

Why did Modern Machine Shop feature Janus Motorcycles?

Modern Machine Shop spotlighted Janus for its unique blend of local sourcing and craftsmanship, offering insight into how CNC machining and community-based supply models work together.

Is every part of a Janus motorcycle sourced locally?

“Most of the parts that go into Janus motorcycle come from supplies located within just a few miles of Janus headquarters in Goshen, Indiana. Several of these suppliers are Amish, and several others have ties to the RV industry that dominates employment throughout the region. One critical component of Janus motorcycles, however, the engine, is sourced from China. This is the story of how a hyper-local supply chain lives alongside an outsourcing strategy at a distinctly American manufacturer.”

Listen to the episode below or wherever you find your podcasts!