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Wisconsin and Missouri vying for 777X Production
Wisconsin and Missouri are potential spots for Boeing to produce the 777X after workers in Washington rejected Boeing's initial proposal. (www.startribune.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Neither of these are right to work states making them dark horses to start. Missouri has a large facility in St. Louis. South Carolina probably has the edge as Wayne predicted.
I think you all are missing some important points. Aero mechanics and assembly workers are highly skilled workers. They are not former "burger flippers". Many are earning $60 to $80,000 per year. In addition Boeing provides great benefits in addition to their wages. And these workers are highly productive - one only needs to watch the moving assembly line for the 777 to see they earn their keep. The problem I believe is not so much the direct wage cost, but the ever increasing cost of fringe benefits - which many companies in many industries are trying to control in order to remain competitive in a world market. China and Canada are both about to join Airbus as Boeing's competition in a world market. Boeing is seeking to try to contain future costs. That was the point of their "offer" to the union work force to change pension and wage steps.
The leadership of the union in Seattle has been "difficult" to deal with from the companies perspective. Even some members feel the 'hardball' tactic is wrong. The crippling work stoppage several years ago embittered feelings on both sides. Certainly, corporate pay disparity is a polarizing issue - something not unique to Boeing. Another factor is that corporate leadership is no longer from the ranks of airplane people but rather financial types (anyone remember what happened to GM when the corporate bean counters took over from the car guys?)
Further, the Seattle area is becoming a very expensive place to do business. No new roads have been built for years and mass transportation is barely beginning. The congestion costs for logistics alone make it prudent to consider locating program expansion some where else. After all, it is not like the company is abandoning the Seattle area what with the huge order backlog for the 737 program, the existing 777 program and the 787 program.
By way of disclosure, I'm a former Boeing exec, starting with the company as a facilities engineer for the Everett facility, then the Fabrication center in Auburn, and eventually a VP in Oregon where I am now retired.
The leadership of the union in Seattle has been "difficult" to deal with from the companies perspective. Even some members feel the 'hardball' tactic is wrong. The crippling work stoppage several years ago embittered feelings on both sides. Certainly, corporate pay disparity is a polarizing issue - something not unique to Boeing. Another factor is that corporate leadership is no longer from the ranks of airplane people but rather financial types (anyone remember what happened to GM when the corporate bean counters took over from the car guys?)
Further, the Seattle area is becoming a very expensive place to do business. No new roads have been built for years and mass transportation is barely beginning. The congestion costs for logistics alone make it prudent to consider locating program expansion some where else. After all, it is not like the company is abandoning the Seattle area what with the huge order backlog for the 737 program, the existing 777 program and the 787 program.
By way of disclosure, I'm a former Boeing exec, starting with the company as a facilities engineer for the Everett facility, then the Fabrication center in Auburn, and eventually a VP in Oregon where I am now retired.
Well said!
Explain the Wichita situation for me if you can... please.
Wichita is a WW2 facility which Boeing used to fabricate skins, spars and misc parts for the 737 program. It sold the facility several years ago to a company called Aero-structures (I think the name is correct), who became a sub-contractor. It fabs the entire body sections of the 737 and ships them by rail to Renton for final assembly. I believe it is still a IAMAW organized company. I have heard that the 737 MAX bodies will be made there also.
I was referring to the Military side which was not sold to Spirit. Boeing is in the process of closing the Military side now... "The existing (but for sale) Boeing Wichita site, including a 325-acre flight line, massive hangars, and other buildings totaling more than 1.2 million square feet and an 85-acre office complex, as well as access to McConnell Air Force Base’s runway."
As a former member of the IAMAW the union can go F itself these thugs are only in it for their own selfish interests. They don't care about individual members needs, when I needed them the most they sided with the company. I'll never again become a union member.