SAN FRANCISCO - Boeing said on Wednesday that it has resumed production of the 737 MAX at the company's Renton factory in Washington state.

Boeing also confirmed in a statement that the 737 program will gradually ramp up production this year.

The 737 program began building airplanes at a low rate as it implements more than a dozen initiatives focused on enhancing workplace safety and product quality, the statement said.

"We've been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system," said Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "These initiatives are the next step in creating the optimal build environment for the 737 MAX."

During the temporary suspension of production that began in January, mechanics and engineers collaborated to refine and standardize work packages in each position of the factory. New processes will ensure that employees have everything they need to build the airplane, the company said.

"The steps we've taken in the factory will help drive our goal of 100 percent quality for our customers while supporting our ongoing commitment to workplace safety," said Scott Stocker, vice president of 737 Manufacturing.

The company halted its 737 MAX production in January with the decision driven by a number of factors, including the extension of US regulator's certification process into 2020, as well as the uncertainty about the timing and conditions of return to service the 737 MAX airplanes.

More than 800 jets have been grounded worldwide since mid-March 2019 after investigators found flawed flight control software on the 737 MAX partially responsible for the crashes of two MAX jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia.