Spirit AeroSystems said yesterday that it would take “immediate action” to cut production volumes on Boeing products in response to the strike by 27,000 members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) at several Boeing factories. Boeing’s machinists walked off the job Saturday after a 48-hour emergency bargaining session failed to produce a settlement.
The Wichita-based supplier added that it would revise its production and delivery schedule through a shortened work week for employees who support, manufacture and assemble the affected products. Spirit used a similar approach in September 2005, when the last IAM strike at Boeing lasted 28 days.
“We are working closely with our customer and taking the necessary steps as we respond to an unfortunate situation,” said Spirit president and chief executive Jeff Turner.
“Our experience shows this approach is a prudent solution for all stakeholders. Today, Spirit is a financially stronger and more diversified company than [it was] in 2005. As such, we will continue our normal efforts on certain Boeing products, as well as products for new customers including Airbus, Cessna, Gulfstream, Rolls-Royce, Hawker Beechcraft and Sikorsky.”