Says State's Reaction Has Been Positive So Far

Boeing sent a letter to the South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Wednesday seeing assistance in permitting the former Vaught assembly plant for manufacturing the 787 Dreamliner. While Boeing spokesman Russ Young called the move "procedural," the letter to Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor formally announced Boeing's interest in North Charleston "as a site for a potential facility for final assembly of our newest airplane, the 787 Dreamliner."

The Seattle Times reports that Boeing has not officially applied for any permits in South Carolina. "Because of the substantial lead times necessary to obtain the necessary permits, we have chosen to begin the permitting process prior to selecting a site," its letter said.

The letter goes on to state that North Charleston is one of four sites under consideration for the second assembly line. Ray Stevens, the Mayor of Everett, Washington, where Boeing's primary assembly line is located, told the Times ""You don't need to apply for permits in Everett." He said there is sufficient additional capacity in Everett, as well as a trained workforce, to add the second line in Washington.

Dreamliner Assembly File Photo

Boeing says it is "delighted" in the reception it has received in South Carolina following the purchase of the Vaught facility. Some analysts see the letter as a negotiating tool in Boeing management's attempt to secure a no-strike contract from its machinists union in Everett.

FMI: www.boeing.com