While it may be hard times for aircraft manufacturers, some suppliers are enjoying an increase in business, thanks to the major manufacturers’ cost-cutting efforts. Some manufacturers are beginning to outsource their production work to suppliers. Cessna already contracts some subassembly work and may increase that. “We’re still looking at what’s the best thing for our customers, (and) how we can build the best possible product for the best cost and quality that we possibly can,” Cessna spokeswoman Marilyn Richwine told The Wichita Eagle. Overall, parent company Textron plans to do more outsourcing. Raytheon is planning to do the same but at the expense of drawing fire from its workers unions. The company announced earlier this months that it is studying the capabilities of at least two companies in Mexico to make wire harnesses and panels, saying that the outsourcing is necessary to ensure long-term growth. This has caused an uproar from Raytheon employees who claim their livelihood is jeopardized by this latest cost-cutting move. A recent rally against the move drew nearly 500 people. They carried signs and chanted “USA! USA! USA!” Stay tuned.
