Boeing has today confirmed that it will indeed consolidate production in South Carolina. The move, scheduled to take place in 2021, will see all Dreamliner production shifted to a single site in North Charleston. The Everett, Washington site will continue to produce the 787 until the move takes place.
Today, Boeing confirmed the rumors that it was planning to move all Dreamliner production to its South Carolina facility. The Charleston site is currently one of two plants that makes and assembles the 787, alongside its sister facility in Everett, Washington.
In a statement today, Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented,
“The Boeing 787 is the tremendous success it is today thanks to our great teammates in Everett. They helped give birth to an airplane that changed how airlines and passengers want to fly. As our customers manage through the unprecedented global pandemic, to ensure the long-term success of the 787 program, we are consolidating 787 production in South Carolina.
“Our team in Puget Sound will continue to focus on efficiently building our 737, 747, 767 and 777 airplane families, and both sites will drive Boeing initiatives to further enhance safety, quality, and operational excellence.”
The consolidation of the production is a result of the impact of COVID-19, the company says. It states that the decision was taken as part of a strategic initiative aimed at preserving cash at the business. It says that the Everett site will continue building the airplane until the program transitions to the rate of just six aircraft a month in 2021.
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