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Boeing South Carolina's Significant Expansion for 787 Dreamliner

Boeing has officially broken ground on a substantial expansion project at its Boeing South Carolina (BSC) facility, a site renowned for housing the 787 Dreamliner program. This development comes as global demand for the 787 series continues to accelerate, with expectations of increasing production rates to 10 airplanes per month by 2026.

The latest initiative, which constitutes a massive investment topped at $1 billion, will span several years and ultimately create over 1,000 new jobs. The expansion in North Charleston aims to accommodate higher production capabilities, addressing the soaring market need for this innovative aircraft.

Key Aspects of the Expansion

The comprehensive expansion plan encompasses several key upgrades and new constructions:
1. New Final Assembly Building: A new final assembly facility, comparable in size to the existing one, will build upon a footprint of approximately 1.2 million square feet. This area will support various production roles and offices.
2. Parts and Paint Facilities: The addition of a parts preparation area, a vertical fin paint facility, and new Flight Line stalls at the Airport Campus.
3. Interior Responsibility Center Enhancements: Upgrades to the Interiors Responsibility Center will enhance the production of interior components used in the 787 models.

Boeing anticipates that the construction process will engage over 2,500 workers, contributing to a remarkable 6.2 million construction hours through a joint effort between HITT Contracting and BEK Building Group.

Rising Demand for the 787 Dreamliner

With a staggering total of over 2,250 orders from 90 customers around the globe, the 787 Dreamliner has claimed the title of the best-selling widebody passenger aircraft in history. Following over 1,200 deliveries, the backlog remains robust, with nearly 1,000 airplanes yet to be produced, including over 300 new orders received just this year. Industry forecasts predict that commercial aviation will require more than 7,800 new widebody planes within the next two decades, further solidifying the future demand for the 787 series.

Strategic Growth and FUTURE IMPACT

“Reflecting the continued strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family, we are making this strategic investment to ensure Boeing is ready to satisfy our customers’ requirements well into the future,” stated Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This expansion not only underscores Boeing’s commitment to its workforce but also strengthens its ties to South Carolina and affirms the importance of American manufacturing.

Since establishing operations in South Carolina in 2009, Boeing has significantly contributed to the local economy, currently employing more than 8,200 individuals across its facilities in North Charleston and Orangeburg. As quoted by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, the expansion reaffirms a resurgence in American manufacturing, aiming to protect job security and economic vitality.

Political and Economic Support

Local and national leaders warmly welcomed the groundbreaking of this expansion. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster highlighted the importance of Boeing's presence for the state's business environment and workforce. U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of the South Carolina workforce and the historical significance of increased production capabilities for the region.

Congressman Jim Clyburn noted that Boeing's expansion represents a significant stepping stone for both the manufacturing and aerospace sectors within South Carolina, promising unprecedented opportunities for the local workforce.

With expectations riding high, Boeing's investment and expansion of its South Carolina facility signals a bright future for both Boeing and the local economy, poised to create quality jobs and maintain the state’s status as a leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.