Boeing opens Everett 'North Line' 737 MAX assembly line

Boeing held a ribbon-cutting on July 10 for its new 737 MAX 'North Line' at the Everett, Washington factory, a roughly $1 billion, fourth final-assembly line meant to lift single-aisle output beyond the current 47 jets a month toward 52 and, eventually, higher rates. It is the first time 737s have been assembled outside Boeing's Renton plant since production was consolidated there in 1970; assembly work began July 6 and the first Everett-built MAX is expected to roll out by year end. The line adds nearly 1,000 jobs and is central to Boeing's push to clear its 737 backlog and stabilize production after years of turmoil.