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Boeing’s Dreamliner facility in North Charleston will raise South Carolina’s standing in the world, state politicians said this morning during a groundbreaking ceremony that signified the start of a six-building construction project. “Gentlemen, start your engines,” said local businesswoman and community leader Anita Zucker, who emceed the event.
By Chelsea Hadaway
and Molly Parker
chadaway@scbiznews.com
mparker@scbiznews.com
Published Nov. 20, 2009
Boeing’s Dreamliner facility in North Charleston will raise South Carolina’s standing in the world, state politicians said this morning during a groundbreaking ceremony that signified the start of a six-building construction project.
In a departure from the typical dirt-tossing or red-ribbon cutting staples of a groundbreaking, the 10 politicians and one company executive on the stage of deal makers dropped Boeing flags in NASCAR style – indicating the race had begun.
“Gentlemen, start your engines,” said the CEO of InterTech Group and local community leader Anita Zucker, who emceed the event.
Community leaders, economic developers and politicians watched the invitation-only event from one side of a red rope. Hundreds of employees from the existing Boeing and Global Aeronautica fuselage assembly plants stood on the other side.
As the flags dropped, one exited employee proclaimed: “Boogity, boogity, boogity. This is awesome!” She was referencing NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip’s signature call before each race.
Jim Albaugh, chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes credited Boeing with changing the 20th century. With the 787 Dreamliner – built from composite materials – Boeing will reinvent the way we move in 21st century as well, he said.
“It will really revolutionize the way people travel and South Carolina is going to be a big part of that,” Albaugh said.
Political leaders from the federal to local level congratulated and defended the current South Carolina Boeing workers who walked off the factory floors to attend the groundbreaking.
“We will make airplanes that fly, stay in the air and make you proud,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said.
The workers were also thanked for deciding to do business directly with Boeing by booting the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers out of town. That vote came shortly after Boeing purchased the fuselage assembly plant from Vought Aircraft Industries Inc. this summer.
In doing that, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said, “I think you invited the whole world to do business with us.”
Boeing is taking a calculated gamble in its unprecedented departure from its commercial airplane manufacturing base in Seattle, a decision driven at least in part by the fact that employees represented by the Machinists union in the Northwest have walked off the factory floor four times in 20 years.
“If one says the obvious – it obviously was important,” Gov. Mark Sanford said.
Washington-based critics of Boeing’s decision have suggested that, while Dreamliner parts are built here, the skill level of the region’s work force is not adequate to build full-scale airplanes.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell said South Carolina has been proving critics wrong for years.
“Fifty years ago, people said, ‘Sure, South Carolina can produce textiles but not much more … Twenty years ago Detroit said South Carolina can’t produce cars. Can I introduce you to BMW?”
Tim Coyle, vice president of Boeing Charleston, said “any doubt they (Boeing) had about being able to do that second line here was pretty much put to bed.” The work force has proven its ability to perform quality craftsmanship, Coyle said, during the last few years of putting together the majority of the Dreamliner’s fuselage.
Also heard at the event:
“Generations upon generations of workers will be here because of your high quality of work you’ve performed here already.” – Gov. Mark Sanford
“This affirms that South Carolina is one of the best places to do business in the world.”
– U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham
“We aren’t competing with Washington; we are complementing.” – U.S. Rep. Henry Brown
“This program here is to further the top three priorities in the state: jobs, more jobs and many more jobs.” – U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn
This day symbolizes endless possibilities for South Carolina.” – Sen. Hugh Leatherman
“We are now on the cutting edge of aeronautics.” – Sen. President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell
“Boeing has a partner for life in Charleston County.” – Teddie Pryor, chairman, Charleston County Council
“We are sending a message today: we are open for business and the future will take flight here in South Carolina.” – House Speaker Bobby Harrell
“Boeing choosing South Carolina was like having the sun come out.” – Anita Zucker, CEO of The InterTech Group
Dreamliner to leave a big footprint:
Final Assembly Building: 610,000 square feet
Delivery Center: 35,000 square feet
Administration Building: 36,894 square feet
Fin & Rudder Shop: 11,550 square feet
Equipment Shop: 19,650
Central Utilities Building and Site Utilities: 36,252
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