Boeing 737 The Next Generation
Program Highlights
Customer Chain: Spirit AeroSystems & ASCO Industries / The Boeing Company
First Contract Awarded: 1995
Current Production: ~280 Structural Details and Assemblies
31 Shipsets per Month
Total shipped: > 700,000 Parts and Assemblies
Boeing 737s—a family of aircraft designed to meet specific customer needs --are the best selling commercial jetliners in history. To date, more than 4,800 of the Next-Generation twin engine, narrowbody aircraft have been ordered by more than 115 customers.
Boeing’s™ Next Generation 737s are designed to fly faster, higher and farther than earlier models, with improvements in operating costs, noise, fuel burn and thrust --all while maintaining crew commonality with earlier 737 lines.
Since their introduction, Next Generation 737s have outsold all other aircraft in their market category. Like Classic 737s, these new family members are offered in multiple sizes —from the 737-600 accommodating 110 to 132 passengers, to the 138-foot 737-900, which can carry up to 189 passengers over a maximum range of 3,140 miles.
Precise Machining & Manufacturing has been proud to play an expanding role in this headline-making program.
The Next Generation at Precise
Precise began exploring work on the 737 program in 1993, the year the Next Generation program was launched. We won our first 737 contract in 1995.
In the ensuing years, our ramp up to support Boeing production has been dramatic. Since 1996, we have completed no fewer than six building expansions. We’ve installed dozens of major equipment systems—and increased our work force six-fold.
Today, Precise machines high-precision, close-tolerance 737 parts in 280 different configurations—from 4” cartridge assemblies to the 34” x 9” x 4” closure ribs—in materials ranging from aluminum to stainless steel and titanium.
Production rates have surged—from the initial 12 shipsetequivalents for the first year to the current rate of 31 shipsets every month.
On-time delivery is at 100% and quality acceptance rates exceed 99.99%.
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Better Faster Cheaper
In all our work, we make use of the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies --and we challenge all our employees to find ways to get the job done better, faster, and cheaper.
The result? Significant reductions in cost, scrap and turntimes —and significant improvements in quality.
Our work supporting the Next Generation program offers countless examples.
Here’s one. Pre-sorted, rotable parts kits delivered directly to the Spirit AeroSystems production line through a consumption based, pull system.
Next Steps
Our work supporting the Boeing Next Generation program has been exciting—opening new vistas of achievement, opportunity and growth. And the future promises even more.
Already underway: an innovative effort to convert all 737 production into a multi-machine, multi-pallet cell system which will free up 60% more capacity for Precise to take on additional work projects.
Performance. Flexibility. Innovation.
Standard-setting technologies and cutting-edge manufacturing know-how.
The ability to tailor our infrastructure and processes to specific customer needs—and the willingness to invest in long-term working partnerships.
These have been keys to our success in supporting the Boeing 737 program. They are the hallmarks of every job we do.
