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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Water drips from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 after it received a water salute while becoming the first scheduled 737 arrival Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Boeing and Airbus forecast strong demand for their jets

Boeing and Airbus project more than 40,000 new jets are needed.

Hundreds wait in line to order after the grand opening of Dick’s Drive-In’s new location in Everett on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Dick’s Drive-In throws a party for opening day in Everett

More than 150 people showed up to celebrate the grand opening for the newest Dick’s in Snohomish County.

Patrick Russell, left, Jill Russell and their son Jackson Russell of Lake Stevens enjoy Dick’s burgers on their way home from Seattle on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 in Edmonds, Washington. The family said the announcement of the Dick’s location in Everett “is amazing” and they will be stopping by whenever it opens in 2025. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Dick’s Drive-In announces details for Thursday’s grand opening in Everett

Dick’s will celebrate its second Snohomish County location with four days of festivities.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.