Boeing has completed the expansion of its composites joint venture in Tianjin, allowing it to increase its production capacity for composite parts for commercial aviation. The completion also marks the 25th anniversary of Boeing Tianjin Composites.
Installation is the first joint venture of Boeing in China and has produced more than 1.8 million components for all Boeing commercial aircraft in production, such as the 737 Max, 777 and 787. Additionally, more than 10,000 Boeing commercial aircraft in operation globally fly with parts and sets made in China.
The expansion completion ceremony took place on April 12 and was attended by employees, partners and government authorities. According to media reports, the new facility has an area of approximately 58,000 square meters.
The expansion comes as Boeing faces growing repercussions over production quality issues in its commercial aircraft programs. A door plug explosion during Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January led to increased oversight at Boeing, resulting in a major management restructuring that included the departure of CEO David Calhoun at the end of the year and the immediate retirement of the chief from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Stan Deal.
The Tianjin facility expansion also comes as the U.S. company navigates trade tensions between the United States and China. In its statement, Boeing says its activities in China have contributed more than $1.5 billion annually to directly support the Chinese economy.
Tags: Boeing expands Tianjin produce composite parts commercial aviation
