Upstate Will Also Benefit from Boeing, Twelve Thousand Jobs

    With unemployment standing at 11.6% in September, South Carolina hurts for good news about jobs.

    Tonight monumental good news has arrived on the wings of aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

    It’s big for the Lowcountry, but it’s also big for the entire state.

    Think of it as BMW with wings.

    But leaders say today’s announcement is potentially even bigger for the state than BMW.  They’re calling it the biggest economic announcement in South Carolina history.

    Boeing announced late this afternoon that it will open an assembly plant in North Charleston for its 787 jetliner.  This builds upon the facilities Boeing already has in that city.

    But let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

    A lot of jobs… potentially twelve thousand… will be created by Boeing’s arrival.  Initially around 4000 people will be hired to build the 787s.  But the job impact will be multiplied several times over as suppliers and other aircraft-related businesses make their way to South Carolina.

    News Channel 7 Capitol Reporter Robert Kittle got these comments from state lawmakers who played key roles in the Boeing project:

    Sen. Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston):  “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.“

    Sen. Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence):  “We’ll see spin-offs come from this plant. It’ll reach every corner of our state. And it’s a historical moment because to attract a world-class company like Boeing into our state is almost unbelievable, to be honest with you.“
    Sen. Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley Co.):  “There’s an entire supplier industry that will locate to South Carolina… 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.“

    Notice those comments: “every corner of our state”... “locate all across our state and in every county.“

    Companies that make seats and other parts for cars can certainly make them for jetliners as well.  And the drive from Spartanburg to North Charleston is less than three hours.

    South Carolina is also a “right to work” state.  Boeing probably gave that strong consideration after last year’s eight-week strike by union machinists at its Everett, Washington plant where early versions of the 787 have been built.

    The Palmetto State has certainly had more than its share of rough economic times and controversy this year, much of it involving Governor Mark Sanford and his marital problems.

    This state doesn’t need more soap operas.

    What it needs is an influx of good, stable jobs.

    Finally there is something to celebrate.

    I covered the BMW announcement in 1993 that it was coming to the Upstate.  I’ll never forget the excitement.  BMW has transformed South Carolina.

    Now Boeing stands to do even more for the state.

    This is another day South Carolinians should never forget.