DICKINSON - Innovation, drive and grit are a few characteristics that have allowed Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing to successfully perform at a high level, earning the leading western North Dakota aerospace parts manufacturer “premier bidder” status from top global aerospace company Boeing.
Boeing’s Premier Bidder program recognizes and rewards consistently high-performing companies that supply parts for Boeings commercial aircraft manufacturing operations.
KMM makes copper and fiber optic wire harnesses, which transmit electrical power throughout an aircraft, for Boeing’s 737 and 777 aircraft in Dickinson, North Dakota, and Kerrville, Texas.
KMM will join the select list of 130 suppliers included in Boeing’s Premier Bidder Program who have met the high-quality delivery and performance criteria required for acceptance in the program.
KMM senior vice president Kristin Hedger said the program strengthens Boeing's performance and the company's commitment to safety, quality, and integrity.
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“It enhances our opportunities to excel, and it demonstrates that our heartland rural communities can compete and thrive among the global elite in aerospace manufacturing. Innovation, drive, and grit are central to our ability to perform at a top level,” said Hedger.
Hedger said the new status will give the company greater opportunities to bid for aerospace work by providing greater access to requests for work proposals and evaluations of them, as well as providing them better access to supply chain information.
KMM is a third-generation family-owned company that was founded in Killdeer in 1987 by Don Hedger. Over 35 years later, the company has grown, employing nearly 460 people across Dickinson, Killdeer, and Hettinger and expanding not only its in-state locations but expanding their horizons outside of the state as well.
The Dickinson location employs the largest number of KMM employees working in fiber optic assembly and wire harnesses, while Killdeer specializes in circuit card production and Hettinger focuses on wire harness manufacturing.
Fortunately, manufacturing the wire harnesses which are linked to an aircraft's nervous system, requires hands-on assembly, and creates a need for jobs said Hedger.
With that in mind, the company expanded west in 2022 to Kerrville, Texas where it employs 55 people with plans to employ 400 in the next 20 years.
Hedger looks forward to what's in store for the future at KMM and shares her gratitude for their new position in the program with Boeing.
“The future continues to be bright for the aerospace industry, The Boeing Company, and Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing. We at KMM are so grateful to be part of this Premier Bidder program,” said Hedger.
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