ASME and Boeing Forge Engineering Partnership; The Organizations To Pursue Mutual Goals And Strategic Value.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2004

ASME and the Boeing Company have announced an agreement that will enable engineers at the large aviation firm to access learning opportunities, training programs, technical resources, and other quality services offered by ASME, a professional engineering organization.

On Sunday, the organizations signed a formal memorandum of understanding to work jointly in areas of mutual interest. Activities will include technical information exchange at conferences, continuing education and career development, and public advocacy.

"ASME and the Boeing Company share a long history in the engineering community, and we believe this new partnership will strengthen the goodwill between the organizations and foster programs and activities that meet mutual needs," said Reginald I. Vachon, president of ASME.

Since the memorandum of understanding signed at the ASME Summer Annual Meeting sets forth only general principles and proposals, the specifics of the new ASME-Boeing affiliation remain under discussion.

ASME, as the premier knowledge-based organization serving mechanical engineers, offers Boeing's managers vast opportunities for learning and enrichment through publications, conferences, networking, local sections, and continuing education. ASME short courses in engineering theory and applications provide strong opportunities for skills enhancement.

For its part, Boeing is interested in keeping its technical workforce abreast of new ideas and developments that could influence corporate decisions and bring a competitive advantage in the aviation and aeronautics marketplace. Realizing that much quality technical as well as non-technical information resides outside of Boeing's design studios and manufacturing centers, the company has begun a push to cultivate productive relationships with universities, engineering societies, research laboratories, government agencies, trade associations, and other external groups.

"To stay at the forefront of technology, Boeing engineers have to continually pursue additional education," said Robert E. Spitzer, Boeing Technical Relations vice president. "ASME programs offer Boeing mechanical engineers a chance to refine and hone their technical skills."

A goal of the ASME-Boeing program is for ASME to establish a cross-organizational community within Boeing to maintain communication and provide feedback to the Society's leadership.

With a heritage that mirrors the first 100 years of flight, The Boeing Company provides products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing has been the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for more than 40 years, and is a global market leader in military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and launch systems and services. Total company revenues for 2003 were $50.5 billion.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. ASME conducts one of the world's largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical conferences worldwide, and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public safety.