Concerned That Aerospace Jobs May Move To South Carolina
Businesses in Washington state are united in their resolve to
keep production of Boeing airplanes in Washington, according to
Washington Roundtable President Steve Mullin.
Mullin’s comments come on the heels of an announcement
early Tuesday that Boeing is acquiring a South Carolina plant where
Vought Aircraft Industries currently builds the two rear fuselage
sections of the 787.
Citing the potential that Boeing could open a production line in
South Carolina as a devastating blow to the Washington state
economy and its prospects for early economic recovery, Mullin said
he expects the Roundtable and other business organizations to come
together in a full court press encouraging Boeing to keep
production in Washington.
Business leaders recognize that, while they respect
Boeing’s right to make a business decision, the negative
effects on the state would be substantial. A number of them
released statements following Boeing's announcement Tuesday.
“Boeing has to make a business
decision about where future production should go. I want it to be
here in Washington, but there are absolutely no guarantees
anymore," Mullin said. “Boeing is a global company and they
will locate where it makes the best business sense. Their customers
are going to have a lot to say about it and some of those customers
have expressed concern about Boeing’s labor relations here in
the Seattle area.”
Washington Roundtable Chair John Stanton said, in a statement,
"Airlines simply can’t make billion-dollar decisions on new
aircraft and then face the prospect of delivery delays because of
labor disputes. If the workers and the company can’t figure
out how to trust each other and get along, then the company has
little choice but to locate operations in communities that will be
more welcoming. If Seattle wants to keep Boeing, they better stand
up and show it because there are dozens of other states that will
welcome the jobs and the economic activity.”
Those comments were also echoed by Phil Bussey, President and
CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “I want
future Boeing production in the Puget Sound region, not just for
the direct jobs, but also for all the indirect jobs that Boeing
creates and the community support they provide. This region is home
to a world-class aerospace sector and we need to keep it vibrant
and growing. The community must speak loud and clear that we value
Boeing’s contribution to our economy and our way of
life."
Part of the Dreamliner business plan was to have parts
manufactured in locations around the world, but brought to Seattle
for final assembly. Today's announcement of the acquisition of the
Vaught assembly plant gives Boeing the option of operating a second
line in the eastern U.S.