28 May 2020:The production of 737 Max at Boeing's Renton Wash factory that was put on temporary suspension since January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic is finally resumed. The mechanics and the engineers collaborated to redefine and standardize work packages in each position of the factory.
Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program said, "We've been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger. These initiatives are the next step in creating the optimal build environment for the 737 MAX."
There are more than a dozen initiatives in place to enhance the workplace safety and product quality. Also new knitting processes are put in place to ensure that the employees have everything they need at their fingertips to build the planes.
"The steps we've taken in the factory will help drive our goal of 100 percent quality for our customers while supporting our ongoing commitment to workplace safety," said Scott Stocker, vice president of 737 manufacturing.
To start with, production will be limited to one of the three commercial lines in Renton factory. Slowly as the program ramps up, a second line will be reactivated next year with a plan to reach about 31 airplane production per month in 2021.