Key Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems is laying off 450 after production of troubled 737s slows

A key Boeing provider that makes the fuselages for its fashionable 737 Max airplanes is shedding about 450 employees as a result of manufacturing has slowed down ever since a panel flew off a kind of airplanes operated by Alaska Airlines in midair in January.

A spokesman for Spirit AeroSystems confirmed the layoffs at its Wichita, Kan., plant on Thursday that may trim its workforce of simply over 13,000 individuals. Spirit is Boeing’s most essential provider on the 737s as a result of it makes fuselages and installs door plugs just like the one which flew off the airplane. But it is not clear whether or not Spirit or Boeing staff had been the final ones to the touch that panel.

“The current slowdown within the supply price on business packages compels a discount to our workforce in Wichita,” Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino stated.

Boeing confirmed this spring that it’s in talks to purchase Spirit, which was as soon as part of the plane-maker earlier than it was spun off. Buying Spirit again would reverse a longtime Boeing technique of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That method has been criticized after issues at Spirit disrupted manufacturing and supply of fashionable Boeing jetliners, together with 737s and 787s.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union expressed concern in regards to the layoffs and stated it might attempt to assist employees who lose their jobs within the coming weeks.

“Together, we will continue to work to protect the strength of the aerospace industry in Wichita and ensure our members receive the assistance and resources they need to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger,” the union stated.