Boeing continues S.C. permitting process for 787 line

Published 3:57 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Boeing Co. continues to take “procedural” steps for putting a second 787 production line in South Carolina, should the company select the state for its jet factory.

Earlier this year, Boeing filed for permits in North Charleston, S.C., to expand the company’s newly acquired 787 parts factory there. But Boeing officials said the company just wanted to have the regulatory hoops cleared should it pick South Carolina for the second final assembly site of its delayed 787 Dreamliner.

According to a story in South Carolina’s Post &Courier, Boeing’s permit would allow the company to begin clearing an 82-acre area as early as Nov. 2.

Despite the November date, Boeing 787 spokeswoman Yvonne Leach reiterated that the company has made no decision on its second line.

“We have given ourselves until the end of the year to make a decision,” Leach said.

Although Boeing listed a Nov. 2 start date for work in North Charleston doesn’t mean the company is required to begin work then, Leach said.

Just yesterday, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire released her business case for siting a second final assembly line in the state. Washington’s experienced workforce and extensive aerospace cluster were among the benefits the governor touted for keeping 787 final assembly work in Everett.