Boeing permit pursuit stirs responses

With Boeing seeking permits to expand its newly purchased plant in South Carolina, the company appears to be moving to make that the home of a second production line for the the 787.

Boeing officials are trying to downplay the appearance.

“Understand this is a procedural step. It certainly recognizes Charleston is a candidate as is Everett, Wash., and other locations,” said Boeing spokesman Russ Young.

He said the company plans to have the new assembly line operating by 2012 - which seems to be about when the machinists' contract would be winding down, right?

Anyway, a lot of folks are reacting here in Washington.

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon issued one of the most pointed ones:

As I’ve been saying since January, the competition to land the second line of the 787 is real and robust. The Boeing Company’s most recent actions indicate that the company sees North Charleston as a site with tremendous possibilities, and that the company is indeed poised to maximize the plant to its fullest potential.

There has been much consternation by leaders throughout Washington state regarding the Boeing Company’s approach to determining a site for the second line of the 787. Rather than debate the Boeing Company’s sincerity, Washington state, as a whole, must make the conscious decision whether to maintain dominance in the commercial aerospace industry.

As elected officials, we demand that the Boeing Company and the union diligently work to resolve their differences. In the same vein, elected officials across this state must cease their negative rhetoric. Our goal as policy leaders must be clear, and that is to create the most competitive regional and state economic environment for the future of commercial aerospace. We must do whatever is necessary to keep the Boeing Company in Washington state, thus protecting tens of thousands of jobs related to the aerospace industry.

Then there's the Washington Aerospace Partnership, one of the newest groups on the scene. It's leaders come from the Washington State Labor Council, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Comerce and the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Washington is the best place in the world to build commercial and military planes. More than 50 large commercial planes are built here every month.

We have a skilled labor force, a strong and supportive community, and local and state governments working to ensure that future generations of Boeing planes are built in Washington. Washington has learned to streamline its permitting process to meet the needs of the aerospace industry; South Carolina has never permitted an aerospace facility of this scale.

The Washington Aerospace Partnership understands Boeing’s approach to building airplane parts throughout the world. But we also believe that an objective analysis of the factors relevant to successful assembly of commercial aircraft will lead Boeing and other aerospace companies to conclude that Washington is the optimal state to assemble new generation aircraft, including the 787.

U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell issued this statement:

There is no place in America better suited to build a second 787 line than Washington state. When it comes to infrastructure, experience, and expertise, Washington state is second to none. From our highly skilled workers, to our world class educational resources, to leaders that are committed to keeping our state competitive, we know what’s at stake and how to deliver.

“Since 1916, Boeing and Washington state have shared in the ups and downs of the aerospace industry. While much has changed over that time, our commitment to keeping Boeing in Washington has never wavered and never will. We’ll continue to make the case to Boeing that the second line belongs in Washington state.

And here is an excerpt from a statement by U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash:

“The news this morning makes clear the need for increased urgency and determination in our fight to keep Boeing here in Washington State.

We must do what we can to support their continued innovations and successes. Washington State has the best and most committed aerospace engineers and workers in the world, and I encourage our local and state officials to do everything possible to ensure that Boeing’s second line for the 787 is located right here in our great state. Boeing enjoys the full and bipartisan support of the Washington State Congressional Delegation, and we will continue to support Boeing and Washington State.”