South Carolina Statehouse Blog

COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2nd PRODUCTION LINE IN NORTH CHARLESTON 

Columbia, S.C. - October 28, 2009 - Gov. Mark Sanford today issued the
following statement on Boeing Company’s announcement of its plan to
establish a second production line for the 787 Dreamliner adjacent to
the company’s existing facilities in North Charleston.

“Boeing’s decision to expand their presence in our state with an
infusion of jobs and capital investment - the largest announcement in
South Carolina history - represents not only enormously good news for
our state’s economy, but also a telling dividend from our state’s
continued efforts to better our business climate. For us, that means
lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens in our state’s tort and
workers’ compensation systems, and keeping South Carolina a
right-to-work state,” Gov. Sanford said. “I’d first and foremost
applaud the hardworking Boeing employees already in the Lowcountry for
both their day-to-day efforts and their confidence in Boeing’s
management, and in the same way I’d thank Boeing - and in particular
Chairman Jim McNerney - for returning that vote of confidence in our
state.

“Just as the similarly monumental BMW investment catalyzed a now
extensive automotive presence across South Carolina more than 15 years
ago, we believe Boeing landing decisively in North Charleston will
spur on an already growing aerospace hub in our state. Also just like
BMW, Roche, or the Global Aeronautica investment that led to Boeing’s
foothold in South Carolina only four years ago, this project required
a team effort from dedicated leaders in both the private and public
sectors. Accordingly, I’d single out a few heroes in this process:

“First, I’d offer our and the state’s appreciation to Commerce
Secretary Joe Taylor and Senator Hugh Leatherman, who worked
side-by-side on this matter, and whose work was complemented by Jack
Ellenburg and Daniel Young. Legislative leadership was similarly vital
- and decisive - in Boeing’s commitment to South Carolina, and
accordingly, I’d especially credit Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn
McConnell and Speaker Bobby Harrell, along with Senator Leatherman,
for the legislative yeoman’s work they’ve done. I would also thank
people at the local level like David Ginn, Steve Dykes and Heyward
Horton. Lastly, but certainly not least, I’d give real credit to U.S.
Senator Lindsey Graham for his invaluable efforts along the way. With
all that said, we look forward to welcoming the Boeing team to South
Carolina.”

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Here is a copy of the Fact Sheet:

South Carolina Fact Sheet