Hawker Beechcraft to keep Wichita's Plant I open, saving hundreds of jobs
March 16--In a move that will save hundreds of Wichita jobs, Hawker Beechcraft will keep Plant 1 open rather than close it as previously announced.
The news spurred a round of cheering inside the plant when employees heard the news.
"People are going wild out here," said one employee in a text message. "People are elated."
The decision came as part of a joint partnership forged between the company and the Machinists union during contract negotiations last year.
"As of today, it is expected that current Plant 1 operations will essentially remain unchanged," a memo to union stewards, team leaders and crew chiefs said this morning. The memo is signed by the HBC Joint Partnership Steering Committee.
Last year, Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture said the company had planned to close Plants 1 and 2 and move the work to outside suppliers and to its facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, a move that would eliminate hundreds of jobs.
The company now intends to revise that strategy, Hawker Beechcraft spokeswoman Nicole Alexander said in an e-mail.
"This is an example of the results of working together with our union to enhance the company's competitive position," Alexander said.
Hawker Beechraft and the Machinists union anticipate that there will be movement of work between Plant 1 and suppliers. However, some work may return to the plant, and other work may move, the memo said.
"Assuming aircraft build rates remain at current levels, the overall volume of work performed in Plant 1 is expected to be maintained while this revised strategy is developed and implemented," the memo said.
Workers in Plant I perform fabrication work, such as the production of small part assemblies.
The company's manufacturing operations is emphasizing quality and on-time performance.
An "intensive lean/continuous improvement" initiative will be launched as meaningful efficiency and cost improvements are required for Plant 1 to be in a more cost competitive position, the memo said.
Reach Molly McMillin at 316-269-6708 or [email protected]
Copyright 2012 - The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
