Boeing yesterday announced plans to invest $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at its site in Charleston County, South Carolina. The expansion will create 500 new jobs over the next five years. The announcement was made by the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDC).
Boeing South Carolina is home to the entire 787 Dreamliner production cycle and manufactures, assembles and delivers the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10. The factory has been in operation for more than ten years.
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The company was established in South Carolina in 2009 and employs more than 7,800 people at the airport and northern campuses in North Charleston, as well as its western campus in Orangeburg, according to the SCDC.
Boeing will expand a pair of campuses in North Charleston to support increased production goals for the 787 Dreamliner and potential future rate increases driven by market demand. The 787 Dreamliner program aims to increase to ten aircraft per month by 2026.
Operations in the new facilities are expected to come online in early 2027.
The facilities in Orangeburg are not included in the expansion plans. Boeing acquired its Orangeburg operations in June 2024. The company bought the plant, which makes metal engine lip skins for the 737 MAX and 777X, from GKN Aerospace, which was willing to give up its niche spinforming technology at the site because it lacks the core part of the company’s product portfolio – and Boeing was GKN’s only customer. The facilities in Orangeburg are not included in the expansion plans.
According to the company, South Carolina is also home to Boeing Research & Technology, as well as the company’s IT Center of Excellence, Propulsion Systems, Interiors Responsibility Center and Engineering Design Center. Boeing says it works with more than 300 suppliers across the state.
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