Commercial Projects

Boeing Kicks Off $1B Upgrade of South Carolina Plant

Boeing aims to boost 787 Dreamliner production to 10 planes a month.

Updated on

November 25, 2025

Final assembly of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (Photo: Courtesy)

Boeing has begun work on a major expansion of its South Carolina operations as the company prepares to lift 787 Dreamliner output to ten aircraft a month by 2026.

The one billion dollar programme covers upgrades across Boeing’s two North Charleston sites and is expected to generate more than one thousand new jobs over the next five years.

The development includes a new final assembly building of about 1.2 million square feet, additional production positions and extra office space. Further work will extend parts preparation facilities, add a vertical fin paint building and increase capacity on the Flight Line.

Boeing will also enlarge its Interiors Responsibility Center, which manufactures many of the Dreamliner’s cabin elements.

The company said the joint venture of HITT Contracting and BE&K Building Group will oversee the construction effort. The project is set to employ more than 2,500 workers and involve more than 6.2 million labour hours.

Celebrating the start of the works, US Senator Tim Scott said: “Today’s groundbreaking represents a significant milestone not just for Boeing but for the state of South Carolina” and added that the expansion “will create more than a thousand quality jobs and reinforce our state’s leadership in developing a strong workforce and pro-business environment”.

Demand for the 787 family remains strong worldwide.

Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says: “We continue to see strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family and its leading efficiency and versatility.”

She added that the expansion reflects the work of Boeing’s South Carolina workforce and strengthens the company’s commitment to manufacturing in the region.

The company has received over 2,250 orders from 90 customers. More than 1,200 aircraft have been delivered, with nearly 1,000 still on order, including 300 this year.

Boeing’s South Carolina facility has managed the complete 787 production process since 2009 and now has a workforce of over 8,200 across its Lowcountry campuses.