Boeing and AVIC to Open Manufacturing Innovation Center in China

Boeing and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), one of China's largest state-owned aviation companies, are to open the AVIC- Boeing Manufacturing Innovation Center (MIC) in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.

The AVIC-Boeing MIC will enhance Boeing's production system by increasing AVIC's efficiency and capacity to supply high-quality parts for Boeing airplanes. The MIC will also support AVIC's goals of improving its manufacturing and technological capabilities and the competiveness of its affiliated factories to achieve global Tier-1 supplier status.

Boeing has also just awarded a contract to produce 737 rudders to Chengfei Commercial Aircraft Co. (CCAC), an AVIC company located in Chengdu, China. That contract will serve as the initial work statement for the MIC.

"AVIC has established a long-term partnership with Boeing, and I am very delighted to see that both sides have committed to establish the AVIC-Boeing Manufacturing Innovation Center," said AVIC President Lin Zuoming. "This agreement marks a new step in our companies' mutual cooperation and has great significance in deepening our relationship."

"As a company in a global market poised for tremendous growth, we need to increase both the capacity and capabilities of our supply chain," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. "The AVIC-Boeing Manufacturing Innovation Center is consistent with our approach of partnering with suppliers to enhance their quality and productivity. AVIC has been a valuable supplier partner to Boeing for many years. This agreement is an opportunity to advance their capabilities and add value for Boeing and our customers."

The MIC, which will open by early 2012, will provide classroom training for AVIC employees and hands-on training for workers in AVIC factories.

Boeing has been working with AVIC for more than 20 years; AVIC facilities currently manufacture parts for the 737, 747-8 and 787 programs.

Boeing has purchased more than US $1.5 billion in aviation hardware and services from China since the 1980s and expects to double its annual procurement in coming years.

The Paris Air Show is being held this week at Le Bourget near the French capital, Paris.

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