GKN Aerospace to Assemble Boeing 737 MAX Winglets in Sumner

Boeing has awarded GKN Aerospace a contract for final assembly and paint work of Advanced Technology (AT) Winglets for the new 737 MAX.

The final assembly and paint work will be carried out at a 57,000 sq. ft. facility that GKN Aerospace will operate in Sumner, Wash., near Boeing’s 737 MAX Final Assembly in Renton, Wash.

The facility will open in late 2015 and employ approximately 75 people when full rate production is achieved. Staff recruitment will begin early this year.

“GKN is a longtime, valued supplier to Boeing, and we’re pleased that our relationship has resulted in this additional work package,” said Kent Fisher, vice president and general manager of Supplier Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re happy that the investments made by Boeing and our suppliers in the 737 MAX are resulting in the creation of jobs in our local communities and will continue to spur economic opportunities in Washington State for years to come.”

The new contract adds to GKN’s existing work package, manufacturing and performing initial assembly on fifty percent (50%) of the MAX AT Winglets.

“This work expands our role with Boeing on the Advanced Technology Winglet, allowing us to provide a turnkey product to the Boeing Renton facility,” said GKN Aerostructures North America President and CEO, Daniele Cagnatel. “Completing the assembly and painting near the 737 MAX Final Assembly site provides logistical advantages and support for emergent requirements. Over the long term we expect the Sumner site to support additional commercial programs’ assembly and painting needs.”

To support this new facility, Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington State Department of Commerce have approved an incentive agreement that will provide support for GKN Aerospace, including assistance with training new employees as the facility is brought on-line.

The 737 MAX with AT Winglets incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines. Boeing says the 737 MAX will be 14% more fuel-efficient than today's most efficient Next-Generation 737s – and 20% better than the original Next-Generation 737s when they first entered service.

The 737 MAX has more than 2,600 airplanes on order.