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A fire that struck a factory critical to the
aerospace industry could threaten Boeing’s
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recovery plan as the planemaker looks for an
alternative supplier of fasteners.
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In February, a fire that took several days to
control broke out at an SPS Technologies
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factory in Pennsylvania.
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The facility, about the size of 10 football
fields, developed,
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manufactured, and supplied a line of fasteners.
According to Aerodynamic Advisory managing
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director Kevin Michaels, the site provided
nearly 15% of the aerospace industry’s fastener
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supply.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Boeing
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CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company depends on
SPS for many parts in its 787 and 737 jets,
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but did not disclose the exact quantity or
whether Boeing.
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Could access blocked inventory.
Orper did,
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however, note that a parts shipment set for
release before the fire became inaccessible.
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Boeing will now explore other sourcing options,
but some parts that the company uses in landing
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gear, engines, and other areas have complex
designs and must be made to withstand air
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travel.
The Wall Street Journal reports.
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The incident comes as Boeing attempts to regain
profitability after losing more than $35
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billion since 2019.
In November, the Journal reported that.
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Ortberg said the company would not achieve
positive cash flow until 737 Max production
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reached 38 units per month.
Boeing has made progress toward this goal by
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rolling out 9 in December, about 20 in January,
and 35 in February.
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The company also recently closed one of its two
shadow factories,
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which would pull mechanics and engineers from
their regular work to focus on maintaining and
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repairing old planes rather than building new
ones.
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I’m Nolan Bastein.
This is manufacturing now.