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Boeing opens first production site in Europe

Boeing’s first manufacturing site in Europe, in Sheffield, U.K., makes actuation system components for the 737 and 767 jets. At full capacity, Boeing Sheffield will produce thousands of parts each month to be shipped for assembly in Boeing’s Portland, Oregon, plant.

Boeing Sheffield manufactures more than 100 different high-tech, flap-actuation components for 737 and 767 wing trailing edges. The 66,700ft² facility is a more than $50 million investment, placing the world’s largest aerospace company at the heart of Sheffield City Region’s growing Global Innovation Corridor. Experienced mechanics, engineers, and more than 20 apprentices make up the 52-employee Boeing Sheffield team.

Boeing established a presence in South Yorkshire in 2001 when the company co-founded the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with the University of Sheffield in Rotherham, and Boeing Sheffield is a result of this longstanding relationship. The company has initiated a new research program with the AMRC to develop manufacturing techniques that can be applied to the new Boeing Sheffield facility. 

Trumpf names North American laser division sales director

Jack Pennuto Jr. has become director of sales for Trumpf Laser Technology in Detroit, Michigan. Pennuto will report directly to Ralf Kimmel, general manager of Trumpf Laser Division, North America.

Pennuto has worked the past 12 years in management, sales, and application engineering roles. At his previous company, he was senior vice president of the machinery business unit where he managed the sales and application engineering of the company’s metal forming, tube mill, and coil processing systems. He currently supports the manufacturing industry through association and academic roles, including chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Department of Labor approves Lockheed Martin apprenticeship standards

The U.S. Department of Labor has approved Lockheed Martin’s proposed National Standards of Apprenticeship, establishing a common framework for the company to develop and expand registered apprenticeship programs across its U.S. facilities. The programs will include on-the-job training and classroom instruction for highly-skilled roles. The standards enhance the company’s ability to work with local apprenticeship offices, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and the advanced manufacturing community.

“Addressing the growing skills gap is critical to our nation’s future as an innovator and a job creator,” says Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Marillyn Hewson. “We recognize this challenge requires government, industry, and educators to work together to develop a workforce with the skills to compete in the 21st century.”

Lockheed Martin’s National Standards were modeled after the company’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP) – a 9-week training program for participants to develop manufacturing skills in electronic, mechanical, optical, and electromechanical areas.