EVERETT — KUKA Aerospace, a division of one of the largest robotics companies in the world, has opened a facility in Everett on Seaway Boulevard near Boeing.
The company builds state-of-the-art automated systems and is working with Boeing on manufacturing technology to build the 777X.
KUKA is creating automated robots that will fasten the panels of the fuselage together, drill and fill more than 60,000 fasteners that are now installed by hand.
KUKA’s arrival is just the beginning of advanced manufacturers that will be drawn to the area to support the more technical production of the 777X line, said Troy McClelland, president of Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
The robotic system designed by KUKA is the latest in a series of advanced manufacturing changes on the 777 program, which already include new systems for painting wings and other drilling operations.
“You can see this trend toward more advanced technology in the 777X line and this should demonstrate a shift in manufacturing,” McClelland said. “We’re well positioned for advanced manufacturers to take root here.”
McClelland said he’s spoken with a handful of other companies involved in automation, advanced material and composite technology interested in locating here. He didn’t share names.
Snohomish County is a desirable location for these companies because it offers an existing technology cluster, a technical work force, education programs at local community colleges and municipal officials ready to work with companies on a smooth transition, McClelland said.
The 29,000-square-foot KUKA facility will serve as a service and maintenance hub close to its customers on the West Coast. The center will employ about 75 people, most of them hired from the local area, according to a prepared statement from the company. KUKA Aerospace, the global aerospace division of the KUKA Systems Group, is based in Clinton Township, Michigan.
KUKA’s project portfolio includes orders from some of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers to design and build assembly systems for commercial, business and military aircraft.
This is one of the largest projects KUKA has undertaken in the aerospace sector.
When the Boeing 777X twin-aisle passenger jet goes into full production, each fuselage will be built using advanced automation technology developed collaboratively by KUKA and Boeing, according to the company.
Before, a giant lathe-like machine turned the fuselages, and workers stood inside and out, drilling and filling. KUKA’s new technology allows machines to drill from above, which saves time and is expected to improve worker safety.
More than half of all injuries on the 777 program occurred during the phase of production that will be automated, according to a statement from Boeing.
The 777 program is testing the technology, known as Fuselage Automated Upright Build, in Anacortes. The system will be installed in Everett in a new portion of the main factory now under construction.
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