Boeing announced a $1 billion investment to upgrade infrastructure at its facilities in Charleston County, South Carolina. The aerospace company added that the expansion would create 500 jobs by 2030.
The Entire 787 Dreamliner Production Cycle
Established in 2009, the Boeing South Carolina site includes the entire production cycle for the 787 Dreamliner, including fabrication, assembly, and delivery of the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 to customers worldwide. The company’s Airport, North, and West campuses currently employ over 7,800 workers.
Increasing Production
The expansion will impact the North and Airport campuses in North Charleston, supporting higher 787 Dreamliner production goals and possible rate increases. Boeing expects the program to reach a monthly production rate of 10 aircraft by 2026.
Available positions in North Charleston include 787 aircraft assembler mechanic, associate composite fabrication specialist, and first-line flightline operations manager.
Boeing plans to have operations online by 2027.
Boeing’s Influence in South Carolina
The company noted that the expansion does not include the West campus facilities in Orangeburg. Acquired from GKN Aerospace in June, the Orangeburg operations make metallic engine lip skins for the 777X and 737 MAX. The site features spin-forming technology.
South Carolina also houses Boeing’s research and technology lab, IT, propulsion systems, interiors, engineering design centers, and over 300 suppliers.
Image credit: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
