Culture, Change, and Continuous Improvement: From Bankruptcy to Industry Leadership A True Aerospace Story

Book excerpt: How does a company go from being two days away from filing bankruptcy papers to unparalleled performance in the Aerospace business? The answer can be found in this fascinating story of Aerostructures, a Chula Vista, California-based designer, manufacturer and supplier of major components and assemblies to all the major commercial aircraft manufacturers and to the world's airlines. In 1993 Rohr Industries, as it was known then, was in trouble. Business financials, income and cash flow in particular, were rendering the business unsustainable. The way the business was being run was archaic, organizational structure was cumbersome, and morale was low. Customers were very concerned, and several were preparing to exit.