Boeing breaks ground on $1 billion 787 plant expansion

Boeing Co. broke ground November 7 on an ambitious expansion of its North Charleston, South Carolina manufacturing site. In a company statement, the aviation giant said the site will support higher production of the Boeing 787 jet. Boeing says the site will cost $1 billion, increase production at the site to 10 airplanes per month by 2026 and create 1,000 jobs through 2030.

The new Boeing South Carolina (BSC) site will feature a new 1.2 million-square-foot final assembly building for airplane production and office space, a parts preparation facility, a vertical fin paint facility, and additions to the site’s 787 interior-parts production site.

According to Boeing, the expanded site is necessary to meet demand for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The company says it has received 2,250 orders for the updated widebody passenger airplane, of which it has delivered almost 1,000. An outlook report published by Boeing estimates it will need to make about 7,800 planes over the next twenty years.

BSC currently builds three 787 models: the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10. Boeing says it employs 8,200 people at its locations in North Charleston and Orangeburg.

What people are saying

"We continue to see strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family and its market-leading efficiency and versatility. We are making this significant investment today to ensure Boeing is ready to meet our customer's needs in the years and decades ahead, said Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This site expansion is a testament to the incredible work of our Boeing teammates and deepens our commitment to them, to South Carolina, and to American manufacturing."

"Boeing's continued investment in South Carolina is a tremendous vote of confidence in our state's people and business climate," said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. "This $1 billion expansion and the creation of 1,000 new jobs will strengthen our position as a global leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We are grateful for Boeing's partnership and commitment to the Lowcountry, which will bring new opportunities and economic prosperity across our state."

"Boeing's decision to dramatically increase production capability of the 787 in Charleston is the ultimate vote of confidence for the South Carolina workforce," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. "I'm so pleased that Boeing is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to South Carolina. The Boeing employees in our state have proven that they are worth the investment. This expanded production will create more jobs and ensure the viability of Boeing in South Carolina for decades to come."

"Today's groundbreaking represents a significant milestone not just for Boeing but for the state of South Carolina," said U.S. Senator Tim Scott. "This expansion will create more than a thousand quality jobs and reinforce our state's leadership in developing a strong workforce and pro-business environment. I look forward to the opportunities and prosperity this investment will bring to the Lowcountry and beyond."

Manufacturers investing in South Carolina

ATP Adhesives invests $70 million to build solvent-free adhesive manufacturing facility in South Carolina
Production at the new Columbia facility is scheduled to begin in July 2026.

Brawo invests $23.2 million to expand brass component manufacturing facility in South Carolina
The expansion includes new equipment and facility upgrades to support increased production and technological capabilities.

Rolls-Royce invests $75M to expand engine manufacturing facility in South Carolina
The expansion will increase the facility’s machining capabilities and add 60 new jobs to the company’s U.S. operations.