The F-35 fighter is first and foremost keeping America and more than a dozen of our allied nations safe. But it is also helping Wipro Givon USA in Everett and other members of the global supply chain keep their doors open as we work through the aircraft industry’s double whammy of the 737 MAX and covid-19 issues. It is essential that our U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and all of Congress back the F-35 and see that it is fully funded.
Wipro Givon USA is one of 1,800 U.S. suppliers to the F-35, which requires more than 300,000 precisely manufactured components. Our company makes critical complex machined components, and that work represents about 75 percent of our revenue and accounts for a similar amount of the time of our 38 employees. There is no room for error in our work as it is highly detailed and requires the use of expensive materials. Fortunately, we have a veteran team dedicated to the project, delivering components that are consistently rated as best-in-class by our customers.
One challenge for us is developing the next generation of skilled workers. For our part, we are exploring a new talent development and acquisition program with local colleges and technical schools. But we need Congress to do its part and provide sustained funding to the F-35 so we will have sufficient work that will continue to attract highly skilled workers who can keep a company, and surrounding community, growing.
All of us in Everett know the importance of the aerospace industry to our region and our state. The F-35 is backed by 34 Washington companies representing 4,600 jobs and more than a half- billion dollars in economic impact. We hope that Larsen and the rest of the Washington delegation will support the program, particularly as the House Armed Services Committee is set to discuss the F-35 in a hearing this week.
Bob VonBargen
Wipro Givon USA
Everett
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