December 1, 2011 in Opinion

Editorial: Supporting role on MAX a big chance for region

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The Boeing 737 MAX will not be assembled in Spokane, but that is about the only downside to the company’s decision to keep production of its most popular airplane in Washington.

The choice comes months before a decision from Boeing had been expected, and after months of hand-wringing over the possibility the company might build a new plant in another state, notably Texas, which was reportedly offering $50 million for MAX.

Tellingly, the choice was announced not by Boeing but by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, whose oft-striking members have cost the company billions. The union agreed to a four-year contract – yet to be ratified – that committed Boeing to remaining in Renton, where 737s have been assembled since 1968.

The deal would be unprecedented and may signal a new period of cooperation between the two sides. Both have learned some hard lessons.

Delivery of the first Boeing 787 in September was three years late, in part because of a new production model that relied on outsourcing and construction of a new assembly line in South Carolina. The delays were costly and disrupted customer relationships.

The Machinists lost their hold on hundreds of South Carolina jobs, which prompted a wrong-headed National Labor Relations Board investigation that probably will be set aside if the new contract is ratified.

With Boeing and the Machinists on the same page, Washington legislators still have some work to do.

Thousands of Boeing workers will be retiring within the next few years. They must be replaced, and thousands more added, to fill billions of dollars in new orders – 700 already for the MAX. To produce those workers, the state must create an education pipeline that reaches all the way down to middle schools.

Despite budget pressures, Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed a legislative package that provides $9.8 million for training in aerospace-related skills in high school and graduating more engineers from Washington State University and the University of Washington. The two schools have been turning away applicants because they do not have space for them.

The state money would supplement a recent U.S. Department of Labor award of $20 million to train 2,600 aerospace workers. Boeing and its suppliers will need many more than that, which is where Spokane reconnects with these grand plans.

The Inland Northwest Aerospace Technology Center already offers courses in related trades. More than 60 area companies are aerospace suppliers. Spokane International Airport has been attracting some of those companies and has the space to accommodate many more. The combination of those resources will become more attractive as the ramp-up of MAX production stabilizes the outlook for the industry in the Northwest.

Washington needed a shot of good economic news. Spokane’s turn will come.

Three comments on this story so far. Add yours!

• 

  Jethro_toll on December 01 at 1:23 a.m.

  Cough Cough…. the almighty GSI and its AIR Spokane sure got blindsided yesterday morning at their 10:30 lollapalooza 15 minute patting itself on the back briefing. I guess that there 167 page Project PegLeg report and Accenture’s five minute speil by a UW graduate was spot on. The lack of palpable value in the dog and pony presentation was evident by the two simple questions posed to the presentors. As I looked around the room, there were more glassy eyed wannabee strap hanging Bobbleheads than a Mariner trinket store.

  How clueless can these highbrow, high paid experts be to have not considered the basic social factors and nature of the IAM/AW in being able to seal their contract with Boeing and preserve THEIR jobs? All the pseudo cerebral posturing to include the secret/hidden airport zoning changes was all for not and a smoke screen for a lack of clarity, experience and competence.

  Now the Spokesman is wishing for the puny insignificant loser leftovers that wont be dribbled from the Renton production plant to over 300 miles away to Spokanistan. It may happen, but I wouldnt bet the farm on it. Just exactly what part of a Next Generation 737 that is going to be designed for fuel efficiency do these bumpkins think can be manufactured in Spokane? Toilet paper holders?

• 

  westerly on December 01 at 12:08 p.m.

  Inland Northwest Aerospace Technology Center , 90 percent of grads probably go to work in Puget Sound. The West Plains Triumph mfg plant wasn’t even mentioned to reap some of this Max production, why? Seems Spokane’s only fame is “capital of the Inland Empire”, a throwback to the 1930’s and 40’s. Time will tell what gets built here…a long time.

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  mmspowaus on December 02 at 6:52 a.m.

  Tellingly, the choice was announced not by Boeing but by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, whose oft-striking members have cost the company billions.

  Let’s see…
  Boeing is a HUGE employer in WA and pays a HUGE amount of taxes. They are eying moving to a NC where they are welcomed with open arms, more profit and less union interference.

  The outgoing governor is offering some training as a bone for Boeing and Spokane.

  Folks. It is time for change. Our favorite son Boeing is being seduced by another state that promises to love and honor the Aerospace manufacturer while we the citizens here in Washington State stand by, under-employed, and let our leaders allow the unions to rape and pillage our beloved Boeing.

  Dump the duds that have been slowly killing our state for decades. Let’s show Boeing we want it to stay by improving and changing Olympia in 2012.

  Dump the democrats who have been pirating the ship of Washington State for 30 years for the unions and their self-serving agendas.

  I can give you 2.2 billion reasons to dump the current party leadership in Olympia….Take action before it’s too late