Boeing Renton Preparations for 737 Moving Assembly Line

FSi, as prime consultant, provided project management and mechanical design to prepare Renton’s main assembly buildings for a 737 moving line.

Boeing wanted to improve its airplane-manufacturing methods by installing continuously moving production lines for assembling its single-aisle models, similar to automotive lean manufacturing methods in Japan. The new lines move 737s continuously at a rate of about two inches per minute, reducing final assembly time by 50 percent.

FSi led relocation of floor shops and trench utilities to make way for the moving line. The $1 million construction project was divided into 20 small, very fast-track individual projects managed by FSi as prime consultant. The overall project had a very challenging schedule, and most of the individual projects were mobilized with only a few hours notice and little scope definition. We delivered all the construction document packages within Boeing’s schedule; most were completed within 2 weeks of receiving the new task from Boeing.

FSi helped Boeing to meet its aggressive 8-month schedule. All FSi’s projects were constructed on time and under budget, clearing the way for Boeing to complete the moving line on schedule.