Boeing yesterday announced plans to invest $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at its Charleston County, South Carolina site. 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 fabricates, 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 established operations in South Carolina in 2009 and employs more than 7,800 people across its airport and north campuses in North Charleston, as well as its west campus in Orangeburg, according to the SCDC.
Boeing will expand a pair of North Charleston campuses to support increased 787 Dreamliner production targets and potential future rate increases driven by market demand. The 787 Dreamliner program plans to increase to a rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026.
Operations at the new facilities are expected to come online in early 2027.
The Orangeburg facilities are not included in the expansion plans. Boeing acquired its Orangeburg operations in June 2024. The company purchased the facility, which makes metallic engine lip skins for the 737 MAX and 777X, from GKN Aerospace, which was willing to part with its niche spin-forming technology at the site because it wasn’t core to the company’s product portfolio—and Boeing was GKN’s only customer. The Orangeburg facilities 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 partners with more than 300 suppliers across the state.
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