As Boeing reaches a major milestone in its existence — 100 years — one can’t help but focus on not only what the company has done for the Pacific Northwest and the world, but the suppliers that have helped keep the airline kingpin flying after all these years.
Here, the Reporter discusses all things Boeing with two of its Redmond suppliers, Pan Pacific Electronics and Western Industrial Tooling.
• How did the company become involved with Boeing? How long ago?
Derrick Du of Pac Pacific: Pan Pacific was established in 1980. The owner, Edwin Du, was a Boeing engineer for 10-plus years, prior to starting the business. At that time, Boeing was looking for minority suppliers, so Ed saw it as an opportunity to start his own business. We have been a supplier to Boeing for over 30 years.
Tom Miller of Western Industrial: Almost 20 years ago to solve a big problem they had stripping wires. They were looking for a handheld device that would never touch the conductor while stripping insulation. We invested a lot of engineering energy and prototyping and delivered a solution they were very happy with. (It’s) a testament to our early commitment to quality and precision and the ability of our team to work collaboratively with Boeing.
• What do you supply them?
Du: Pan Pacific is an authorized, value-added assembler and distributor for electrical connectors, connector tools and relays. Most of our products are used in the commercial and military aerospace markets.
Miller: Over the years, our relationship expanded. In addition to wire strippers and crimpers, today we supply Boeing with precision tooling and components used in their commercial and defense businesses.
• How does it feel to be involved with such a major company that’s done so much for the Pacific Northwest and the world?
Du: We feel very fortunate and honored to be involved with Boeing. The fact that were based in the Pacific Northwest has strengthened our relationship with Boeing and helped us grow as a company. We take pride in knowing that the products we supply to Boeing are helping to protect and transport people around the world.
Miller: Western Industrial Tooling employees take tremendous pride in their work. We have a reputation for doing complex work that other suppliers find difficult. All of us have a great deal of admiration for Boeing, the contribution the company has made to the global economy. It’s a great feeling every time we fly or see an aircraft in the sky to know that we all have participated in that. It is an honor and a privilege to be a supplier.
• What do you think has kept Boeing going strong for 100 years?
Du: Boeing has remained strong for so many years because they make quality products that people can depend on for a long time. The people and processes at Boeing are the best in the world. The need for a more efficient, economic and technologically-advanced aircraft will keep Boeing going strong for many more years to come.
Miller: First off all, it is their people. We work with their people every day and continue to be impressed with their dedication, innovation and commitment to quality. Secondly, it’s their focus and commitment to the customer… continually innovating. Lastly, I think it’s the breadth and depth of their global supply chain.
• Spectralux Avionics is another Redmond Boeing supplier. According to its website, the aerospace electronics company develops and manufactures high-reliability data link communication equipment that provides FANS 1/A, ATN CPDLC, AOC ACARS, and Condition-based Global Flight Tracking. Additionally, Spectralux provides human machine interface products that span the gamut of aviation requirements for critical aircraft systems that impact crew efficiency, performance and control, annunciation and lighting.
