Davis Tool, Inc. (DTI) today announced that it has been selected by The Boeing Company to be a part of its nationwide team to compete for the U.S. Air Force's new fleet of aerial refueling tankers. DTI produces sheet metal brackets; structural parts manufactured from plate, forgings, or castings; tooling for both machining and aircraft assembly; and assemblies with hundreds of components.

By joining with Boeing to become part of the United States Tanker team, Davis Tool will become eligible to increase orders if Boeing is awarded the U.S. Air Force tanker contract in mid-2010. Davis Tool currently makes hundreds of control system and structural parts for Boeing's 737, 747, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to support our nation's warfighters and join Boeing in their bid to build a new generation of aerial refueling tankers," said Ron Davis, DTI President. "We know the Boeing fleet very well, having been one of their suppliers for more than 20 years. In addition to helping our national defense, this opportunity would bring additional business to support our 150 workers, their families and our community, while creating potential new avenues of expansion for our business," he added.

"The partnership between Davis Tool and Boeing is a positive sign in a tough economy because it has the potential to bring many much-needed jobs to Oregon," said Congressman David Wu. "By working together with Davis Tool, Boeing is strengthening its bid for the Air Force tanker contract. Maintaining a solid domestic industrial base is essential to both the U.S. economy and our national security, and I will continue to closely monitor the progress of this contract competition."

Boeing works with more than 300 companies in Oregon alone, paying more than $180 million for services and products. If Boeing is awarded the contract, it would support at least 50,000 new and existing jobs across the United States.

Davis Tool is proud to help Boeing deliver an American-designed and -built, combat-ready tanker featuring max capability at lowest cost.