Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Boeing says it will open a second assembly line for its 787 jetliner in South Carolina, expanding beyond its longtime manufacturing base in Washington state.

The Chicago-based airplane maker says it chose North Charleston over Everett, Wash., because it said the location would best support its 787 business plan as it increases production rates.

Boeing already operates a factory in North Charleston that makes 787 parts. It has long discussed the possibility of expanding 787 production to meet robust demand.

Everett is the site of Boeing's commercial aircraft division, where the company has assembled early versions of the 787. The first flight and deliveries of the high-tech aircraft have been postponed repeatedly due to manufacturing glitches and a labor strike.