Boeing may build some 787 parts in North Charleston

Editor Note: Dominic Gates of the Seattle Times broke this story on Dec. 7th, 2009

Along with final assembly activities, Boeing Charleston might also get more 787 part manufacturing responsibilities to boot. Currently, the Boeing facility in Frederickson, Wa. builds the vertical tail fin for the 787 and other Boeing facilities in Washington State manufacture other parts for the 787.

Because these facilities are staffed by IAM 751 members, Boeing is looking to have the Charleston facility or a 3rd party do the manufacturing of the tail fin and the other parts for Charleston assembled aircraft. Frederickson and the other Washington area facilities will continue to manufacture the parts for 787s assembled at Everett. Boeing is trying to ensure that the 787 will continue in production in case of labor disruptions at Everett.

There is a possibility that Boeing can outsource the manufacturing of these parts to a third party but I do think Boeing will keep these in house and base it out of Boeing Charleston.

The story is by Dominc Gates from the Seattle Times. You can read more about it below:

Charleston likely to build more Boeing parts