Boeing Plant Moving To South Carolina; 12,000 Jobs To Be Created In 3 Years

Update 10/29/09

State Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor, and construction is scheduled to begin in just a few weeks.

Taylor says there should be public announcements soon about exactly how to get those jobs, but that will be up to the contractor that’s hired by Boeing to build the plant.

The plant is also expected to attract suppliers and satellite industries that could create five times more jobs than the ones at Boeing, but Taylor says there’s no way to know at this point exactly what those jobs will be. He said people who are unemployed should follow the state Department of Commerce’s website and should also take this opportunity to update their job skills at local technical colleges so they’ll be ready for the jobs when they are created.

Update 10/28/09
Airplane manufacturer Boeing is coming to South Carolina, and it's bringing up to 12,000 jobs over the next three years. That announcement was made today by the Chicago-based company. It chose North Charleston over Everett, Washington, because, according to the company, the location worked best as the company ramps up production of it's 787 Dreamliner. The company has been embattled with union workers the past year back in Washington state, which, along with manufacturing troubles, has delayed first flight and deliveries of the aircraft. The jet is a mid-sized jet, which can carry up to 250 passengers. Boeing, and a company Boeing owns 50 percent interest in, already have a facility in North Charleston where parts for the 787 are manufactured, and sections of the plane are built. That facility will be expanded for the new production.

Fifty-five airline companies have ordered the plane since production was launched in 2003 which, according to Boeing, makes the 787 the company's bestselling aircraft. "Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will expand our production capability to meet the market demand," Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing's commercial airplane division, said in a statement. The company hopes to produce 10 planes per month by 2013.

Legislators were told to stay in session because of an "impending" announcement, which they received shortly after 5pm. The Senate chambers burst into applause when the news was announced. It didn't take long for legislators, and Governor Mark Sanford, to pour out the accolades.

Gov. Mark Sanford said: "Boeing's decision to expand their presence in our state with an infusion of jobs and capital investment - the largest announcement in South Carolina history - represents not only enormously good news for our state's economy, but also a telling dividend from our state's continued efforts to better our business climate. For us, that means lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens in our state's tort and workers' compensation systems, and keeping South Carolina a right-to-work state. I'd first and foremost applaud the hardworking Boeing employees already in the Lowcountry for both their day-to-day efforts and their confidence in Boeing's management, and in the same way I'd thank Boeing - and in particular Chairman Jim McNerney - for returning that vote of confidence in our state.

"Just as the similarly monumental BMW investment catalyzed a now extensive automotive presence across South Carolina more than 15 years ago, we believe Boeing landing decisively in North Charleston will spur on an already growing aerospace hub in our state. Also just like BMW, Roche, or the Global Aeronautica investment that led to Boeing's foothold in South Carolina only four years ago, this project required a team effort from dedicated leaders in both the private and public sectors."

Senator Glenn McConnell of Charleston commented, "Words struggle to describe how big it is, but I would tell you it is transformational. South Carolina will never be the same after this decision. It moves us from a stage of hope to a reality that more prosperous times are ahead. Regardless of what happens to the national economy, we're going to buck that tide and move upward."

Senator Larry Grooms says the entire state will benefit from Boeing locating in the state. ""There's an entire supplier industry that will locate to South Carolina. (00.31.43.15) We're talking today just about Boeing with the 4,000 jobs. Well, there's a spinoff effect of possibly even 5-to-1 ratio when you count in the suppliers. Suppliers from around the world will now be beating the doors down to locate in South Carolina and they will locate all across our state and in every county."

But not everyone was happy with Wednesday's announcement. Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington issued the following statement on Boeing’s decision to locate the second 787 production line in South Carolina:

“This is obviously a very disappointing day for all Washingtonians, particularly the more than 73,000 Boeing workers in our state. We did all we could to demonstrate that Washington is the best place in America to build airplanes. State and local government worked hand in hand with our capable Congressional delegation, business and community leaders, educators and countless others to show our collective support for locating the second 787 assembly line here.

“Unfortunately, the active and intense discussions between Boeing and the Machinists union did not result in an agreement acceptable to both sides. My colleagues in the Congressional delegation and I worked tirelessly to urge an agreement if at all possible; ultimately the two sides could not come together."

For more on the story, watch Melissa Keeney's report by clicking the "Video" link.

Boeing wants to built a huge new plant to assemble 787 Dreamliner airliners.

787 Dreamliner
Picture courtesy Boeing Corporation

According to a press release on Boeing's website Approximately 55 airlines have ordered around 840 787 airplanes since the program was launched in 2003. The 787 family of airplanes will carry 200 to 250 passengers on flights up to 8,200 nautical miles (15,200 km). The 787 will be more efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of direct, nonstop flights between more cities around the world.