Boeing set to resume Puget Sound commercial plane production next week

Boeing announced Thursday that it will resume all commercial airplanes production at its Puget Sound facilities next week.

The company suspended operations last month in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

Boeing said in a news release that it will resume in a phased approach, and the company has taken extra precautions and procedures to keep employees safe.

The company said about 27,000 people in the Puget Sound area will return to production of the 747, 767, 777 and 787 programs as early as April 20, with most returning by April 21.

Workers for the 787 program will return as early as April 23, with most returning to work by April 24.

"The health and safety of our employees, their families and communities is our shared priority," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and senior executive in the Pacific Northwest. "This phased approach ensures we have a reliable supply base, our personal protective equipment is readily available and we have all of the necessary safety measures in place to resume essential work for our customers."

Earlier this week, the company restarted mostly defense production operations in the region with approximately 2,500 people.

Employees who can telecommute will continue to work from home, the company said.

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