Boeing to Begin Joint Manufacturing Research in Japan

• Consortium includes Boeing’s major airframe partners, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries; and the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo

TOKYO, June 29, 2012 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its three major Japanese airframe partners – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries – announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), the University of Tokyo. Under the MOU, the parties will commence joint research and work to create a consortium to develop industrial-scale manufacturing technology and processes, in a new model of academic-industry cooperation.

Efforts initially will focus on the development of machining and drilling process technology for titanium, aluminum and composite materials. The parties’ aim is to form a consortium for manufacturing innovation within IIS to tackle manufacturing issues common across different industries in current and future production.

The cooperation builds on the research capabilities of IIS, the expertise of the industrial partners in aerospace manufacturing and the desire by all to enhance the skills and capabilities of Japanese industry.

While partner financial investments and management details have yet to be fully developed, the intent is for an initial commitment of five years, with industrial members financially supporting the research, in addition to competing for government grant opportunities.

The detailed research agenda will be developed jointly by IIS and the industrial members to address critical manufacturing issues. Development work will be led by IIS professors and carried out by its technical staff. Members from industry also will contribute and assist on research projects.

While Boeing, MHI, KHI and FHI will comprise the initial industrial membership, the intent is to encourage participation from a broad spectrum of manufacturing sectors.

The Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of TokyoThe University of Tokyo currently comprises 11 research institutes, 15 graduate schools, etc. The Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) is the largest institute among them.
IIS promotes comprehensive research and education in nearly all fields of engineering. We promote the development of interdisciplinary research that transects different fields from creative research based on researchers’ ideas. Our activities focus on making these results useful to actual society and making them reflect graduate school level education. We are expanding our range of activities globally and playing an important role as hub for an international research network. For more information, please visit: www.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index_e.html.
BoeingHeadquartered in Chicago, Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Boeing Research & Technology collaborates with customers, suppliers, universities and R&D agencies throughout the world to provide a broad base of innovative and affordable technologies for Boeing’s business units. For more information, please visit www.boeing.com.
Mitsubishi Heavy IndustriesMitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers, with consolidated sales of 2,820.9 billion yen in fiscal 2011, the year ended March 31, 2012. MHI’s diverse lineup of products and services encompasses shipbuilding, power plants, chemical plants, environmental equipment, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space rocketry and air-conditioning systems. For more information, please visitwww.mhi.co.jp/en/index.html.
Kawasaki Heavy IndustriesKawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) is a leading global comprehensive manufacturer of transportation equipment and industrial goods. With a broad technological base that encompasses mastery of the land, sea, and air, KHI manufactures ships, rolling stock, aircraft and jet engines, gas turbine power generators, environmental and industrial plants, and a wide range of manufacturing equipment and systems. KHI also produces such world-famous consumer products as Kawasaki-brand motorcycles and personal watercraft. For more information, please visit www.khi.co.jp/english/index.html.
Fuji Heavy IndustriesFHI, the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI’s Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes and crucial components for passenger aircrafts. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation. For more information, please visitwww.fhi.co.jp/english/.