Why Charleston could land 787 line
Seattle Times ^ | October 23, 2009 | Dominic Gates

Posted on Fri 23 Oct 2009 01:36:55 PM EDT by jazusamo

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Behind closed doors, business and local government leaders in South Carolina are working to deliver an electrifying jolt to the economy of this genteel city — at the expense of Washington state.

Already the site of side-by-side factories that produce two thirds of the fuselage for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, Charleston is in a tight race with Everett to be the location of a second final-assembly line for the new jet.

"It's a huge deal," said Pat Barber, a well-connected Charleston businessman who owns a trucking company that specializes in oversize loads and could win a lot of Boeing work if his city prevails.

"It'll be the biggest thing to happen in South Carolina in the last 25 to 30 years. ... Once people see Boeing can build an airplane successfully here, it's a matter of time before other companies and industries catch on."

Boeing is making a momentous choice for both regions. And Charleston has more going for it than is generally recognized in Washington.

Jim Albaugh, the new head of Boeing's commercial-airplane division, is expected to present the two options to the Boeing board of directors next week. CEO Jim McNerney said Wednesday the choice will be announced within two weeks.

Boeing is pressuring the Machinists union to make an immense concession — a 10-year agreement not to strike — that could secure the prize for Everett.

Meanwhile, it has filed for permits to clear land by the North Charleston airport for a potential new factory, has drawn up building plans, and is preparing for a potential announcement in South Carolina.

This old city's climate and the warmth of its laid-back Southern culture draw tourists to its historic downtown and to nearby beaches. The more elite neighborhoods are graced with million-dollar homes, avenues of palm trees...