Cessna re-examines airplane building in quest for new efficiency

Aerospace Industries Association - After losing half of its orders and half of its jobs in the downturn, Cessna reports a sweeping new strategy for efficiency that has involved a new approach to its production line. Changes have included raising jet wings to a vertical position to allow technicians to move around them more quickly, improving customer service, and acquiring and attaching the most expensive parts last to reduce the holding time for higher-priced inventory. "We said 'Let's go re-examine how we build airplanes and how we can become better at it'," said Jack Pelton, Cessna's CEO. "Not only has it affected the cost of quality, which the customers will view positively, but it also will help our employees." CNN (4/23)