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IAM 751 applauds Boeing plan to add 737 MAX line in Everett

EVERETT, Wash. (Jan. 31, 2023) — The Boeing Co. announced on Monday that, due to strong product demand, it will add a fourth 737 MAX production line for its single-aisle family to existing factory space in Everett, Wash. According to the company, the new line is expected to increase 737 MAX production capacity by 25 percent and will be operational in 2024.

“This is a great opportunity to utilize the space available in Everett,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “Our members can make a real impact in meeting the production needs for the 737.”

In an interview with KIRO News, Holden called the news a win-win situation for more than just future Boeing workers.

“We can own homes. We can save for our families to get a higher education or go into trade school. We can do a lot in our community with these jobs,” Holden said.

Most of the team that will open and work on this fourth line, being called The North Line, will be current Everett employees transitioning from areas where work is winding down. The current 737 lines are staying in Renton.

The North Line is a way for the Boeing Co. to address customer demand, especially as the -7 and -10 work towards certification. At this point, the company has a backlog of nearly 4,300 737s in the years ahead. Work on preparing the facility is already under way.

In a memo to employees sent Monday, Stan Deal, President & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes wrote:

“To be clear, we are not taking the 737 out of Renton – just adding capacity to capture customer demand, especially for the newer models like the -8200 and 737-10. Everett is a great fit with the availability of highly-skilled workers and factory space.

“In addition to preparing the facility, we have begun the process of notifying and preparing our suppliers, customers, unions and employees as we take the necessary steps to create a new line. We are methodically working through all of our checks and balances keeping safety and quality top of mind.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the Washington delegation in Congress, especially Senators Murray and Cantwell and Representatives Smith and Larsen, who represent our Renton and Everett sites respectively, as well as legislative leaders in Olympia, the Mayors of Everett and Renton, and the Snohomish County Executive.

 “We also thank the IAM for working closely with us to support the safe certification of the MAX-7 and MAX-10. This announcement underscores our commitment to the state and to Washington workers.”

IAM District 751, which represents more than 30,000 members at the Boeing Co. in Washington state and Oregon, will continue to bring its members new information on the North Line as it becomes available, including how staffing will occur.

Learn more at IAM751.org.

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