Boeing has selected South Carolina for fabrication and assembly of interior parts for the 787.
The airframer is currently constructing a final assembly and 787 delivery site in North Charleston, and Boeing says it is reviewing potential sites for the new aircraft interiors facility. The company aims to make a decision during the third quarter.
Boeing Fabrication Interiors South Carolina will be located near the North Charleston final assembly and delivery site, and employ up to 150 staff. Boeing says the new facility is an extension of its existing interiors centre in Everett, Washington, and its employees will build stow bins, closets, partitions, class dividers, floor-mounted stow bins used by flight attendants, overhead flight-crew and flight attendant rests and video control stations.
"By expanding Boeing's footprint in South Carolina, we enhance our existing foundation with Boeing Charleston and further contribute to the growth of aerospace in the region," says Ray Conner, vice president and general manager, supply chain management and operations, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Ultimately, the decision we made in 2009 builds on our overall strategy to successfully meet our 787 customer commitments and to optimise our production capability."
Boeing on 28 April said it is holding shipments of 787 structural assemblies until June to allow the global supply chain to catch up with the company's planned production ramp-up.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
