Boeing halts Chinook production line

[unhappycamper]

Wires broken or severed in Chinook
Suspicious washer found in another.


Boeing halts Chinook production line
By Kris Osborn - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 15, 2008 10:38:28 EDT

Boeing Rotorcraft has temporarily halted production of Chinook H-47 helicopters at its facility in Ridley Township, Pa., after manufacturing irregularities were discovered in two aircraft, a company statement said.

“The process requires notification of Defense Contract Management Agency. We notified them immediately and they will manage the investigation. We have a process in place for this sort of circumstance,” said Jack Satterfield, V-22 Communications, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems.

Rep. Joe Sestak, a Democrat and former Navy vice admiral whose district includes the plant, said Wednesday he was told that wires that appeared to be broken or severed were found in one helicopter and a suspicious washer was found in a second.

There is a “low probability that it was not deliberate,” Sestak said, but he added that unintentional damage remains a possibility. Sestak said he has communicated with company and union officials at the plant and was told the investigation could take two weeks.

Boeing officials would not comment on the nature of the irregularities found or the expected timetable for resuming production. However, the Boeing facility in Ridley Township has been maintaining a busy production schedule.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/defense_chinook_051508/

[whistle]

1. How many lay-offs does that represent?

[Angleae]

2. Temporarily halted, not permanent