Globalization: Examples in Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is assembled from parts provided by factories in nine different countries, each of which is a potential market for the dreamliner (Wikipedia, 2011). This allows Boeing to access the expertise of different companies in different countries. For example, Rolls-Royce manufactures the jet engines for the 787. Having a factory in each of these countries provides Boeing with a means to enter the market. However, since the components are built in different countries and shipped to the U.S. for assembly, Boeing must be very specific and standards must be very precise in the manufacture of each product. Even a small change or error has the potential to hold up production of the entire aircraft. Since the end product is a global product it must meet the highest standards of each nation where it hopes to sell a Boeing 787.