Apr 16, 2020   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Boeing to Resume Commercial Airplanes Production in Puget Sound

SEATTLE, April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will resume all Commercial Airplanes production in a phased approach at its Puget Sound-region facilities next week, after suspending operations last month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At all of its sites, the company has taken extra precautions and instituted comprehensive procedures to keep people safe and fight the spread of COVID-19.

"The health and safety of our employees, their families and communities is our shared priority," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and senior executive in the Pacific Northwest. "This phased approach ensures we have a reliable supply base, our personal protective equipment is readily available and we have all of the necessary safety measures in place to resume essential work for our customers."

Approximately 27,000 people in the Puget Sound area will return to production of the 747, 767, 777 and 787 programs, supporting critical global transportation infrastructure, cargo services and national defense and security missions. The 737 program will resume working toward restarting production of the 737 MAX. Boeing South Carolina remains in a suspension of operations at this time. Earlier this week Boeing restarted mostly defense production operations in the region with approximately 2,500 people.

Employees in the Puget Sound for the 737, 747, 767 and 777 will return as early as third shift on April 20 with most returning to work by April 21. Employees for the 787 program will return as early as third shift April 23, with most returning to work by April 24.

The company's practices reinforce enhanced cleaning, employee health and physical distancing in partnership with employees. Aligned with federal and state guidance, these practices include:

    --  Staggered shift start times to reduce the flow of employees arriving and
        departing work
    --  Visual controls such as floor markings and signage to create physical
        distance
    --  Face coverings will be a requirement for employees at Boeing sites in
        Washington. Employees are strongly encouraged to bring in their own
        procedural mask or face covering; those who do not have a mask available
        will be provided with one.
    --  Providing required personal protective equipment to employees working in
        areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained for an extended
        period
    --  Asking employees to perform self-health checks before coming to work and
        to stay home if they are ill
    --  Employee wellness checks at the beginning of every shift and voluntary
        temperature screening at many manufacturing locations
    --  Contact tracing when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 to reduce
        risk to teammates
    --  Continued virtual meetings and employees who can work from home will
        continue to do
    --  Transportation and common areas adjusted for physical distancing
    --  Hand-washing stations in high-traffic areas and additional cleaning
        supplies available

Enhanced measures will continue until conditions allow for a return to regular work and cleaning processes. Boeing will continue to monitor government guidance on COVID-19, assess impact on company operations and adjust plans as the situation evolves.

Contact
Boeing Communications
media@boeing.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-to-resume-commercial-airplanes-production-in-puget-sound-301042383.html

SOURCE Boeing