Meeting to Focus on Future of Aerospace

In the face of pared-down military budgets and increased demand for cheaper air and spacecraft, the region’s aerospace industry emerged from restructuring earlier this decade with the lesson that it must reduce costs and incorporate new, time-saving technologies in order to stay competitive. Beginning Thursday, experts from around the world are expected to gather at the Long Beach Convention Center to discuss how this new style of production, known as “lean manufacturing,” will affect the future of the aerospace industry. Aerospace Expo ‘99, sponsored by Aviation Week magazine, will also look at other issues such as how companies can be more customer-focused and how information technology can reduce the complexity of military contracts. More than 200 exhibitors are also expected to be on hand for the two-day event. For more information, call (800) 240-7645.