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Boeing Completes Utah Expansion Project

Photo provided by Boeing

On September 25th, Boeing announced the completion of their most recent expansion project with the successful manufacture of a horizontal stabilizer in Salt Lake City, Utah. The horizontal stabilizer was built for a new Boeing 787, made up of composite materials that weigh less while still providing sufficient support to the aircraft. According to Boeing, an 850,000 square foot warehouse located in West Jordan, Utah, has been converted into an operational production center within two years. There are currently 100 employees at the West Jordan warehouse who help build the stabilizers, ensure their quality, and ship them to Salt Lake City for their final touches.

In an effort to expand their manufacturing presence in Utah, the West Jordan composite warehouse was purchased in 2013, and production was started at the beginning of 2015, Boeing stated on Friday. Utah-based Boeing employees, officials, and members of the community were given the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and effort that has been put in to the production of this important part of a rapidly selling aircraft across the world.

Larry Coughlin, the general manager of Boeing’s Salt Lake City manufacturing operation, expressed excitement for the future of Utah’s flourishing composite production in both West Jordan and Salt Lake City. “This is an exciting time for Boeing and our Salt Lake Team….our recent progress sets the stage for Boeing Salt Lake to become a major composites manufacturing center.”

Boeing Salt Lake has also been successful with several other projects within 2015. Teams in Utah have recently launched advances in employee safety, expanded the company’s community presence, and have even delivered the first flight deck structure for the 737MAX.

Boeing’s facility in Salt Lake City is still a relatively small operation compared to the much larger plants in Renton and Everett, Washington. However, even with its small size, it has proven that the location is an essential part of the Boeing supply chain that will continue to grow. There seems to be a positive future in place for Boeing’s operations in Utah, and the completion of the 787’s horizontal stabilizer could very easily give Boeing Salt Lake City the boost it needs to find continued success in the future.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Author

  • Ashley Magoon

    Ashley is currently a senior in high school and plans on pursuing a career in aviation or journalism. Her favorite airplanes include the Boeing 777, 737MAX, and Airbus A350. She enjoys taking flights on various airlines to different airports and planespotting at her local airports.

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