A Boeing Advanced F15 multirole aircraft designed to perform as a combat jet and a fighter jet

Boeing Downsizing Defense Operations for Greater Efficiency

Nov. 16, 2016

Boeing Co. is downsizing its St. Louis-based Defense, Space & Security business unit, consolidating some operations and reducing employment by a “in order to push ourselves farther and win more business,” according Leanne Caret, president and CEO of the business unit.

Robert Brooks

Boeing Co. (IW500/9) is downsizing its St. Louis-based Defense, Space & Security business unit, consolidating some operations and reducing employment by about 500, “in order to push ourselves farther and win more business,” according Leanne Caret, president and CEO of the business unit. The company did not identify its anticipated savings from the consolidation effort.

The Defense business designs and manufacturers bomber aircraft, fighter and attack jets, rotor aircraft, tankers and transport aircraft, surveillance and other military aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It also designs and manufacturers missiles, satellites, space planes, space probes, and spacecraft. Boeing Defense has about 48,000 employees and accounted for 31.4% of the corporation’s total revenue during Q3 2016.

According to recent reports, Boeing has cut nearly 17,000 jobs this year, or about 4% of its total workforce.

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About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)