Boeing Will Resume Production In Puget Sound, Starting Monday

SEATTLE, WA — Boeing will resume aircraft production at all Puget Sound facilities, beginning Monday, the company announced last week. Washington's largest private employer halted all production operations in early April.

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In a news release, Boeing said work would resume in phases and adhere to physical distancing requirements. Shifts will be staggered to reduce how many employees are arriving or departing work at the same time.

The company said face coverings will be a requirement for all employees, and those who do not have masks of their own will be provided with one. In work areas where distancing cannot be maintained, workers will be given personal protective equipment. Boeing said all employees will undergo regular wellness checks, and workers will be required to stay home if they feel ill.

Boeing estimated approximately 27,000 employees would be back to work by April 24, working on the company's 747, 767, 777 and 787 projects. Some employees will return as early as Monday. Last week, nearly 2,500 employees were called back to work on various defense projects.

About half of Boeing's global workforce is based in Washington, with approximately 70,000 employees in the state before the coronavirus outbreak began. The company said those who can telecommute will continue to work from home.

Production stoppages in South Carolina will remain in place.

CNBC reports Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun sent a letter to all employees Thursday afternoon saying that the impact of the global pandemic "will change our business for years to come."

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