Weber Aircraft

Next year Weber Aircraft plans to close its Burbank manufacturing plant, which employs 1,000 people, because its hourly workers have refused to accept pay cuts of up to 33%. Weber and the workers' union still have time to reach an agreement that might save the plant, which is to be closed by the end of 1988. But for now they are deadlocked, no talks are scheduled, and neither side is optimistic of a breakthrough.

The Federal Aviation Administration has recommended inspections for airlines that use seats made by the same Texas manufacturer of seats that came loose last month on several American Airlines planes. Reports of loose seats on three American Airlines flights forced the Fort Worth carrier last month to temporarily ground and inspect almost 100 jets to ensure the seats were securely fastened to the cabin floor. After initially blaming the problem on a faulty seat clamp, the airline later said that the problem had to do with locking pins in the seat that failed to engage, possibly because of a build-up of spilled soft drinks, coffee and juice.

The Federal Aviation Administration has recommended inspections for airlines that use seats made by the same Texas manufacturer of seats that came loose last month on several American Airlines planes. Reports of loose seats on three American Airlines flights forced the Fort Worth carrier last month to temporarily ground and inspect almost 100 jets to ensure the seats were securely fastened to the cabin floor. After initially blaming the problem on a faulty seat clamp, the airline later said that the problem had to do with locking pins in the seat that failed to engage, possibly because of a build-up of spilled soft drinks, coffee and juice.

Weber Aircraft Inc., a maker of seats, galleys and lavatories for aircraft, has been sold by its British owner for $85 million in cash. The buyer is Air Cruisers Co. of Belmar, N.J., which makes aircraft escape chutes, life vests and inflatable boats and is part of Groupe Zodiac, a French manufacturer. Makers of airplane parts have been hurt by the recession because airlines are buying fewer planes.

Weber Aircraft Inc., a maker of seats, galleys and lavatories for aircraft, has been sold by its British owner for $85 million in cash. The buyer is Air Cruisers Co. of Belmar, N.J., which makes aircraft escape chutes, life vests and inflatable boats and is part of Groupe Zodiac, a French manufacturer. Makers of airplane parts have been hurt by the recession because airlines are buying fewer planes.

It has been five years since the $640 toilet seats. Now comes word the Air Force spent $1,868.15 for a toilet cover assembly built by a Fullerton defense contractor for the C-5B transport plane. Congressional staff investigators who discovered the price paid for this and other items said they were able to find similar commercial toilet covers for about $182--roughly one-tenth of the military's price. The Air Force confirmed it paid $1,868.

Earl Williams, president of Burbank-based Weber Aircraft, declined Monday to confirm reports that the company will close its Burbank plant within 18 months because of high labor costs. Williams would not comment on earlier reports that he informed the company's 1,000 workers last week that the plant would be shuttered.

The Justice Department has approved a nearly $70-million settlement with Lockheed and others over pollution of Burbank ground water, paving the way for a cleanup under the federal Superfund program, federal officials announced Thursday. The agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and Lockheed, Weber Aircraft Inc. and the city of Burbank means that construction of a treatment system to purge ground water of chemical solvents can begin by next year, a Burbank official said.

Weber Aircraft plans next year to close its Burbank manufacturing plant, which employs 1,000 people, because its hourly workers have refused to accept pay cuts of up to 33%. The workers' union and Weber still have time to reach an agreement that might save the plant, which is to be closed by the end of 1988. But no talks are scheduled and neither side is optimistic of a breakthrough. Weber produces seats, galleys, lavatories and other equipment for commercial and military aircraft.

Weber Aircraft Co. in Burbank won a $7.4-million increase in a contract from the Air Force to supply 89 ejection seats for use in F-15 aircraft.

The Justice Department has approved a nearly $70-million settlement with Lockheed and others over pollution of Burbank ground water, paving the way for a cleanup under the federal Superfund program, federal officials announced Thursday. The agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and Lockheed, Weber Aircraft Inc. and the city of Burbank means that construction of a treatment system to purge ground water of chemical solvents can begin by next year, a Burbank official said.

It has been five years since the $640 toilet seats. Now comes word the Air Force spent $1,868.15 for a toilet cover assembly built by a Fullerton defense contractor for the C-5B transport plane. Congressional staff investigators who discovered the price paid for this and other items said they were able to find similar commercial toilet covers for about $182--roughly one-tenth of the military's price. The Air Force confirmed it paid $1,868.

Weber Aircraft Co. in Burbank won a $7.4-million increase in a contract from the Air Force to supply 89 ejection seats for use in F-15 aircraft.

Weber Aircraft plans next year to close its Burbank manufacturing plant, which employs 1,000 people, because its hourly workers have refused to accept pay cuts of up to 33%. The workers' union and Weber still have time to reach an agreement that might save the plant, which is to be closed by the end of 1988. But no talks are scheduled and neither side is optimistic of a breakthrough. Weber produces seats, galleys, lavatories and other equipment for commercial and military aircraft.

Next year Weber Aircraft plans to close its Burbank manufacturing plant, which employs 1,000 people, because its hourly workers have refused to accept pay cuts of up to 33%. Weber and the workers' union still have time to reach an agreement that might save the plant, which is to be closed by the end of 1988. But for now they are deadlocked, no talks are scheduled, and neither side is optimistic of a breakthrough.

Kidde Inc., the vast conglomerate that owns Weber Aircraft in Burbank as well as such widely known companies as Jacuzzi water pumps and Farberware cookery, said Tuesday that it is considering restructuring or selling off some or all of its assets. In a brief statement, Kidde Chairman Fred R. Sullivan said the company is holding talks with two companies and has received inquiries from others. Kidde's board of directors met Tuesday to discuss its options, the statement said.

Kidde Inc., the vast conglomerate that owns Weber Aircraft in Burbank as well as such widely known companies as Jacuzzi water pumps and Farberware cookery, said Tuesday that it is considering restructuring or selling off some or all of its assets. In a brief statement, Kidde Chairman Fred R. Sullivan said the company is holding talks with two companies and has received inquiries from others. Kidde's board of directors met Tuesday to discuss its options, the statement said.

Weber Aircraft Co. in Burbank won a $7,437,125 increase in a contract from the Air Force to supply 89 ejection seats for F-15 aircraft.

Earl Williams, president of Burbank-based Weber Aircraft, declined Monday to confirm reports that the company will close its Burbank plant within 18 months because of high labor costs. Williams would not comment on earlier reports that he informed the company's 1,000 workers last week that the plant would be shuttered.