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Boeing to suspend production in Puget Sound

Boeing on March 23 announced a temporary suspension of production operations at its Puget Sound-area facilities, noting the state of emergency in Washington state amid the COVID-19 breakout.

Boeing plans to begin reducing production activity today and projects the suspension of these operations will begin on Wednesday, March 25. The suspension of production operations will last 14 days, according to Boeing, which plans to conduct additional deep cleaning activities at impacted sites. The company will also establish rigorous criteria for return to work.

“This necessary step protects our employees and the communities where they work and live,” said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO, Boeing. “We continue to work closely with public health officials, and we’re in contact with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders who are affected by this temporary suspension. We regret the difficulty this will cause them, as well as our employees, but it’s vital to maintain health and safety for all those who support our products and services, and to assist in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

Boeing explains its workers who cannot work remotely will receive paid leave for the initial 10 working days of the suspension – double the company policy – which will provide coverage for the 14-calendar day suspension period.

“We will keep our employees, customers and supply chain top of mind as we continue to assess the evolving situation,” Calhoun added. “This is an unprecedented time for organizations and communities across the globe.”

Boeing notes critical distribution operations in support of airline, government, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) customers will continue.