Aerostructures specialist Vought says suppliers could be invited into its factories to manufacture subcomponents such as stringers. Chief technology officer Vern Broomall says the Dallas, Texas-based company is “seriously looking” at leasing areas of its factories to manufacturers prepared to take over responsibility for running equipment and supplying parts directly to the main assembly line. Such “implants” are common in the car industry and have been tested by airframers such as Boeing. Vought also says its Charleston, South Carolina-based Global Aeronautica joint venture with
Source: Flight International