Tornadoes damage Boeing, Spirit facilities in Wichita

Tornadoes caused damage to the Boeing Co. and Spirit AeroSystems’ facilities in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday.

A series of tornadoes swept across the Midwest on Saturday with four states reporting damage. More storms were expected Sunday.

Boeing supplier Spirit’s factory sustained “significant” damages, the Wichita Eagle reported. Spirit is a major supplier for many of Boeing’s commercial jet programs. Reports the Wichita Eagle:

At Spirit AeroSystems, part of the side of the manufacturing process facility was gone. The plant was without power and officials said six buildings were significantly damaged and four were left with major damage.

“It’s substantial,” said Spirit AeroSystems spokeswoman Debbie Gann.

On Saturday, a Spirit spokesman said the company suspended operations there due to damage at the factory. Employees were told not to report to work Sunday.

Boeing also has a Wichita facility, where it performs mostly military work. The company plans to shut down the Wichita site next year. A Boeing spokesman told the publication that the Wichita facility “took a direct hit” and that the damage was extensive.

No injuries were reported at the two companies.

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