How OMI partners with global OEMs to engineer and manufacture custom DC motors, from design through full-scale production. 

Introduction 

At OMI, we don't just manufacture parts; we engineer solutions. Global OEMs like Harley-Davidson choose OMI when they need a manufacturing partner who can go beyond specs on paper and deliver a custom DC motor that performs reliably at scale. 

This is how we approach that kind of partnership. 

The Challenge 

Harley-Davidson sought to optimize the performance and safety of their Trike reverse motor to exceed premium market standards. It's the kind of ask that sounds simple on paper — improve an existing system — but in practice demands rethinking how a motor performs under real-world riding conditions, without compromising the reliability riders expect from the brand. 

The real challenge isn't engineering alone; it's engineering combined with the discipline to deliver consistently, project after project. 

Our Engineering Approach 

OMI's design-for-manufacture (DFM) philosophy starts long before production begins. Our engineering team works directly with OEM partners to understand the application inside and out and translate real-world performance requirements into a manufacturable design. 

For the Trike reverse motor, that meant developing an advanced, robust motor featuring a specialized pinion system for seamless disengagement during forward motion, a detail that sounds small but is critical to both safety and ride feel. 

This upfront collaboration is what allows us to move from a set of requirements to a finished, reliable product, without the back-and-forth that slows other manufacturing partnerships down. 

The Impact 

This engineering breakthrough achieved superior waterproof durability and increased torque, restoring full rider confidence and elevating the Trike's overall performance. It's a result that reflects OMI's broader approach: not just meeting a spec, but strengthening the product experience the OEM is building for its customers. 

Once a design like this is validated, OMI moves it into production across our global manufacturing footprint, with facilities in the U.S., Mexico, China, and Bangladesh. That flexibility lets OEM partners choose the location that best fits their supply chain, cost structure, and timeline, without sacrificing the consistency that comes from OMI's standardized processes. 

Proven, Certified, Trusted 

Partnerships like this one aren't built on promises alone, they're backed by standards OEMs can verify: 

• IATF 16949 Certified — recognized for top-tier automotive quality and manufacturing standards 

• ISO 9001 Certified — certified for delivering consistent quality and operational excellence 

• Awarded 2025 EV Design Excellence — celebrated for innovation and leadership in electric vehicle design 

• Trusted by Fortune 500 organizations — preferred partner for industry-leading global enterprises 

These certifications reflect the same operational discipline that lets OMI take on a project like Harley-Davidson's, with confidence on both sides. 

Why This Matters for Other OEMs 

Harley-Davidson's experience with OMI reflects what we aim to deliver for every OEM partner: engineering rigor, manufacturing flexibility, and a long-term partnership mindset — not a transactional vendor relationship. 

Whether you need a custom DC motor, a starter system, or a full battery solution, OMI brings the same design-for-manufacture discipline to every project, at any scale. 

Discover how OMI supports global OEMs → omi1.com 

FAQ 

What is design-for-manufacture (DFM)? Design-for-manufacture is an engineering approach that considers production feasibility, cost, and scalability from the earliest design stages — reducing rework and accelerating time to market. 

How does OMI customize DC motors for OEMs? OMI engineers custom DC motors around each OEM's application requirements and production volume, from prototype through full-scale manufacturing. 

Where does OMI manufacture custom motors for OEMs like Harley-Davidson? OMI operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, China, and Bangladesh, allowing OEMs to choose the location that best fits their supply chain and cost needs.