A new, fourth line for the 737 MAX is coming to Boeing’s Everett plant.
Boeing told employees that it will add a new 737 MAX production line in Everett, Washington, in mid-2024.
The move fills free space in the plant as 747 production finished in December, but especially helps Boeing rein in a hovering backlog of more than 4,200 unfilled orders for the MAX.
The head of the IAM District 751 union, Jon Holden, said “this is a great opportunity to utilize the space available in Everett. Our members can make a real impact in meeting the production needs for the 737.”
The Everett 737 MAX would be built in area being called the North Line. Boeing explained this is the area where 787s are getting precision fitment work.
This 787 finishing work will continue in Everett, including in former 747 bays, a Boeing spokesperson said.
The union says most of the team that will open and work on this fourth line will be current Everett employees transitioning from areas where work is winding down.
The new line will increase 737 MAX production capacity by 25%. Given the proximity to our 737 factory in Renton, Everett is a great fit with the availability of highly skilled workers and factory space. The other three 737 lines will still be running in Renton.
Boeing 737 MAX production is about 375 a year on the three lines. Increasing production by 25% could mean more than 450 a year.