Boeing's JV plans to boost composite part supply
By Staff -- Purchasing, 3/12/1998 2:00:00 AM
In an effort to meet an anticipated surge in demand for new aircraft and parts, the Boeing Co. says it will form a joint venture in China that will manufacture composite parts for commercial airplanes.
Boeing plans to join forces with Hexcel Corp. and Aviation Industries of China (avic) to establish a composites factory in Tianjin, China. The facility will manufacture composite parts for secondary structures and interior applications for commercial aircraft.
Composites are rugged, lightweight materials used for reducing weight, increasing payloads, and controlling corrosion on aircraft. The joint venture will supply these parts to Hexcel's facility in Kent, Wash., for final assembly, inspection, and shipment to Boeing and other OEMs worldwide.
Ron Woodward, president of Boeing's commercial airplane group, says the joint venture "is another example of how Boeing is continuing to strengthen its international ties and key supplier relationships."
Woodward says Boeing and Hexcel also have plans for an additional joint venture in China, called BHA Aero Composite Parts Co. This facility, which will begin producing parts in 2000, will manufacture composite parts currently being produced by Boeing and Hexcel.
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