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WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 –The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds Boeing’s agreement to take over operations at the GKN Aerospace St. Louis facility. Boeing previously owned the facility, which was later purchased by GKN in 2001. This agreement marks a significant shift in the facility’s ownership and operations, with Boeing now resuming control.
The agreement between Boeing and GKN will impact approximately 420 IAM Local 387 (District 837) members who currently produce aircraft parts for various U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by the Boeing Co. but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was bought by British parent company Melrose Industries.
GKN Aerospace originally announced plans to shut down this facility completely by the end of 2023. However, with the new agreement, Boeing has committed to keeping the facility operational, ensuring job security for the workers, and the facility’s continued contribution to the aerospace industry.
The IAM worked with Missouri elected officials and the community to preserve the family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo. The IAM wrote letters to U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley and U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Billy Long, and Vicky Hartzler to ask for their assistance in saving the IAM-represented manufacturing jobs and support workers at the Hazelwood aerospace company.
IAM Local 387 (District 837) members produce aircraft parts for various U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by the Boeing Co. but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was bought by British parent company Melrose Industries.
“The workers at this GKN facility in Hazelwood have been waiting for this positive news since first hearing of the facility’s closing in 2022,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our members take pride in supplying our men and women in uniform with precision aircraft parts needed to safely and effectively complete their mission of ensuring our national security. Keeping this facility open is a win for domestic manufacturing and Missouri.”
“This is welcome news for our manufacturing and support workers at the GKN facility,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Our union worked night and day with elected officials and community allies to fight for these essential workers. I commend IAM Local 387 and District 837, along with our IAM Political and Legislative department, for the time and resources committed to keep these jobs in the community.”
“Our members at GKN, as well as workers and small businesses surrounding the facility, can rest a little easier tonight, knowing that Boeing has purchased this facility,” said IAM District 837 Assistant Directing Business Representative Chris Albin. “Generations of dedicated, hard-working workers and their families will now have the opportunity to continue playing a role in keeping our nation safe. We hope the entire community will join us in applauding this agreement.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
