Boeing has been working diligently to improve quality control on the 737 MAX airplanes produced at its plant in Renton, Washington. They have implemented various measures, including increased employee training, mentorship programs, and bringing back retirees as coaches. The company is focused on rebuilding confidence in the aircraft, especially after a near-disastrous incident earlier this year involving an Alaska Airlines flight.
During a recent tour of the manufacturing facility in Renton, Boeing expressed confidence in the safety of the planes leaving the plant. The company has been under scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) following the Alaska Airlines incident, which highlighted compliance issues in Boeing’s processes control and parts handling. The FAA has ordered limitations on MAX output and is closely monitoring Boeing’s implementation of a safety roadmap.
Boeing is taking proactive steps to address systemic issues within the company, with a focus on investing in workforce training, simplifying processes, eliminating defects, and enhancing safety and quality culture. While it will take some time to fully upgrade operations, progress is being made through initiatives like deploying experienced quality inspectors to suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems, which has resulted in a reduction of defects and improved efficiency.
The Renton factory operation may seem chaotic at first glance, with planes at various stages of assembly and hundreds of employees working on each assembly line. However, the staff meticulously check details and introduce barcode tracking to ensure accuracy and quality. New recruits undergo extensive training before they can work on the shop floor, and even Boeing engineers receive additional training. With over 600 people attending the training center each day, the goal is to simulate factory operations as closely as possible.
A Boeing 737 MAX consists of over two million components, including thousands of rivets and miles of cable. Each piece must be carefully installed, and any foreign object debris is immediately discarded. The company is focused on promoting a culture of quality and safety throughout its operations, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to strict standards. By investing in employee training, mentorship programs, and process improvements, Boeing is working towards strengthening quality control and rebuilding confidence in the 737 MAX aircraft.
