Boeing Moving 787 Production To Charleston, Boosting Connections Between State Industries
October 1, 2020
This morning, the SC Council on Competitiveness (the Council) released the 2020 SC Logistics Economic Impact Study, which highlighted the logistics sector’s role in South Carolina’s economy and its growth over the past decade. A major study finding was the increased interconnectivity of advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology – advanced manufacturers are spending more in logistics, and logistics is relying more heavily on technology suppliers than they ever have before. Hours later the official announcement was made that Boeing would be moving its 787 production from Everett, Washington to the Boeing SC North Charleston facility.
“The decision from Boeing to move all 787 production to South Carolina is a testament not only to the robust aerospace supply chain within our state; but also recognition of our state’s logistics and technology industries that support the manufacturing of aircraft,” remarked Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Our state’s industry clusters are diverse and interconnected, and at the Council we will continue to provide the research, networking and resources to support future growth.”
The Boeing SC 92-acre facility has housed 787-10 Dreamliner production since 2010 but will take on full manufacturing duties in a deal that will begin Summer 2021. We are confident the ripple effects of this decision will create opportunities in many different business sectors across the state and allow South Carolina to continue to foster innovation and leadership in SC Aerospace, SC Logistics, and SC Tech clusters.
According to ABC 4 News, the decision was made with a focus on long-term success of Dreamliner production after commercial air travel recovers from COVID-19. “For months, teams studied options, engaged all of our stakeholders, including unions, and considered a number of factors including logistics, efficiency and long-term health of our production system,” Boeing Commercial Airlines division President and CEO Stan Deal said in a letter to employees about the decision. “It became clear that consolidating to a single 787 production location in South Carolina will make us more competitive and efficient, better positioning Boeing to weather these challenging times and win new business.”