Boeing to put 787 plant in North Charleston, bringing 4,000 jobs

*6:10 pm update*

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, at a 6 pm news conference, said he’s excited about Boeing’s decision to locate the second 787 production line in North Charleston.

It will create 4,000 jobs.

Summey said training for the jobs will be offered at Trident.

“We’re a can do community and they can start tomorrow if they want to,“ said Summey.

He said construction of the plant will start in 30 days.

*6:00 pm update*

As South Carolina celebrates, the state of Washington deals with a major loss.  Here’s part of a statement from Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Boeing’s decision to locate the second 787 production line in North Charleston:

“This is obviously a very disappointing day for all Washingtonians, particularly the more than 73,000 Boeing workers in our state.  We did all we could to demonstrate that Washington is the best place in America to build airplanes.  State and local government worked hand in hand with our capable Congressional delegation, business and community leaders, educators and countless others to show our collective support for locating the second 787 assembly line here.

“Unfortunately, the active and intense discussions between Boeing and the Machinists union did not result in an agreement acceptable to both sides.  My colleagues in the Congressional delegation and I worked tirelessly to urge an agreement if at all possible; ultimately the two sides could not come together.“

*5:20 pm update*

Here’s a statement from Boeing Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, on the announcement that its putting a second 787 Dreamliner plant in North Charleston.

“Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will expand our production capability to meet the market demand for the airplane. This decision allows us to continue building on the synergies we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica.“

*5:15 pm update*

South Carolina lawmakers, on the floor of the State Senate, announced shortly after 5 pm that Boeing will put its second 787 Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston.

They called it “a transformational day” in the history of the state.

The move will bring about 4,000 job “and many spinoffs.“

Gov. Mark Sanford issued a statement saying, “"Boeing’s decision to expand their presence in our state with an infusion of jobs and capital investment - the largest announcement in South Carolina history - represents not only enormously good news for our state’s economy, but also a telling dividend from our state’s continued efforts to better our business climate. For us, that means lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens in our state’s tort and workers’ compensation systems, and keeping South Carolina a right-to-work state.“

Check back for continued updates.

*5:05 pm*

Our sister station, KING-TV in Seattle, reports that Boeing will put its second 787 Dreamliner assembly plan in North Charleston.

They learned this from the Snohomish County Executive’s office in Washington.

Boeing reportedly told Executive Aaron Reardon’s office Tuesday afternoon. 

It’s a major victory for the Lowcountry and a big defeat for Everett, Washington,. where the first 787 line is located.

Check back for updates.