Title: Former Boeing Quality Manager Speaks Out on Company’s Shift Towards Speed Over Quality
In a revealing account, former Boeing quality manager Merle Meyers shares his concerns about the company’s shift towards prioritizing speed over quality in recent years. Meyers, who spent three decades at Boeing, expresses his deep affection for the aircraft manufacturer while also highlighting his frustrations with the changing priorities within the company.
Meyers’ career at Boeing began in 1979, and he witnessed a gradual decline in the company’s emphasis on quality after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. He describes how the company’s engineering-first mentality gave way to a stronger focus on profits, leading to increased pressure on workers to prioritize speed in production.
The recent incidents involving the 737 Max 8 crashes and quality concerns raised by employees have further tarnished Boeing’s reputation. Meyers, along with other current and former employees, has spoken out in an effort to push the company to restore its once-stellar reputation for quality and safety.
Despite facing challenges and frustrations during his time at Boeing, Meyers remains grateful for the opportunities the company provided him and his family. Since leaving Boeing, he has shifted his focus to helping survivors of trauma and individuals dealing with grief, choosing not to return to the aerospace industry due to the scars he carries from his time at Boeing.
Meyers’ story sheds light on the internal struggles within Boeing and the importance of maintaining a balance between speed and quality in the manufacturing process. As Boeing works to address these issues and rebuild trust with regulators, airlines, and the public, Meyers’ insights serve as a reminder of the critical role that quality and safety play in the aviation industry.
