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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Boeing South Carolina plans to increase production with a facility expansion.

Officials with Boeing South Carolina broke ground on a facility expansion in North Charleston on Friday afternoon.

The company produces the 787 Dreamliner across South Carolina campuses. The new 1.2 million-square-foot site will work as a final assembly building for airplane production, production support and office space.

The more than $1 billion expansion will increase production to a rate of 10 airplanes per month in 2026.

Governor Henry McMaster, along with U.S. Representatives Jim Clyburn and Nancy Mace and Joe Wilson, attended the groundbreaking.

U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent calls the expansion a testament to President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.

“I think South Carolina and this Boeing plant is the model for President Trump’s economic agenda in terms of reindustrializing America,” Bessent says. “We have gotten out of the business of building things, manufacturing, and we are bringing that back home.”

Boeing leader of 787 Final Assembly Caroline Hilton McDougal says this expansion is an opportunity for the company to reach former production heights.

“During COVID, we went from the program being at rate 14 all the way down to basically being at 1 or 2 airplanes a month, and now we’re on our way back up,” McDougal says. “When we roll out, get back up to the rates that we previously been at, this is going to be the best place in the world that builds wide-body airplanes.”

The facility is designed to support the increasing market demand of more than 2,500 orders from 90 customers worldwide. The company already has more than 300 orders this year. Officials expect a future demand of 7,800 widebody airplanes over the next 20 years.

An estimated 1,000 new jobs will be created over the next five years from the development.

An additional 2,500 jobs are expected to be filled for the site’s construction. Over 6.2 million construction hours will be completed through HITT Contracting and BE&K Building Group.

NORTH CHARLESTON — The red carpet was rolled out Nov. 7 to mark the kickoff of a $1 billion-plus expansion at Boeing South Carolina, an event with a resounding “Made in America” theme that included Palmetto State native and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The planemaker announced the project for its Lowcountry operations in December to meet what it has called “exceptional market demand" for the 787 Dreamliner it builds in North Charleston.

The expansion will create 1,000 jobs at Boeing South Carolina — twice as many as originally projected late last year. It also will require about 2,500 construction workers who will put in an estimated 6.2 million hours.

Work already is set to get underway on a second copycat final-assembly line next to the original 1.2-million-square foot factory that opened in 2011.

The $1 billion spending plan includes other investments near International Boulevard and South Aviation Avenue, such as a parts preparation center, a new facility for painting vertical tail-fins and extra flight-line stalls. Boeing also will enhance its offsite Interiors Responsibility Center that makes luggage bins and other cabin parts for the 787 in the Ladson area.

Completion is scheduled for 2028. Many of the new hires will be on board to start training by next summer, the company said.

“With this expansion … we’re positioning Boeing South Carolina for decades of 787 production,” said Stephanie Pope, CEO of the aerospace giant’s commercial aircraft business.

The company recently raised the monthly output rate at the North Charleston factory to seven Dreamliners from five. It's now aiming to bump the number up to eight wide-bodies by the end of the year — a new high for the South Carolina site.

The next goal is to reach 10 a month sometime in 2026, but Boeing watchers have speculated that they could one day be rolling out anywhere from 12 to 16 new planes onto the tarmac every four weeks or so.

The program hit its previous pinnacle of 14 jets a month in 2018, when work was split evenly between North Charleston and the original Seattle-area assembly line that was shut down nearly five years ago.

The locally based Dreamliner program is bouncing back fast after a run of high-profile manufacturing missteps and a pandemic-era contraction that slowed work at the local factory to about one plane a month

This year, new orders have broken out of their slump, surging to 314 as of Sept. 30, compared to 64 for all of 2024. Monthly deliveries also are on the rise.

“The whole … spectrum has changed for Boeing,” said Scott Stocker, the company’s top executive in North Charleston.

Just hours earlier, two more new orders for up to 12 Dreamliners were announced under deals with Tajikistan-based Somon Air and Uzbekistan Airways.

The 787 backlog now exceeds 1,050 planes. The program is sold out “into the 2030s,” Stocker said.

“I get to hear from a lot of our customers everyday,” he told the crowd. “They love this airplane. They want more of this airplane. They’re speaking with their orders right now and telling us that they love this airplane. It’s on us to give them safe, perfect-quality, high-quality airplanes and deliver them on time. And it’s huge for us to build out the capacity … here in North Charleston.”

The latest expansion brings Boeing's total capital investment in South Carolina to more than $3 billion since the Dreamliner factory was completed nearly 15 years ago. The Arlington, Va.-based company employed 8,253 workers in the state as of Dec. 31, according to the most recent update.

Nov. 7’s 80-minute ground-breaking ceremony was held outdoors around high noon on the site of the future assembly plant, with several thousand employees and guests looking on and cheering. The backdrop to the elevated stage included a strategically placed United Airlines 787 with “Boeing Backs America” painted on the fuselage, along with bulldozers, cranes and an assortment of other heavy-duty construction equipment.

In late 2024, Boeing announced plans to expand and upgrade its site near Charleston International Airport and a second campus. The company is investing more than $1 billion in this infrastructure program and plans to create more than 1,000 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion will include:

The construction effort will employ more than 2,500 people with over 6.2 million construction hours from the joint venture of HITT Contracting and BE&K Building Group.

Ninety customers from around the world have placed more than 2,250 orders for the 787 Dreamliner family, making it the best-selling widebody passenger airplane of all time.

After more than 1,200 deliveries, the 787 backlog stands at nearly 1,000 airplanes, including more than 300 orders added just this year. In all, the commercial aviation industry is expected to need more than 7,800 new widebody airplanes over the next two decades, according to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook.

"We continue to see strong demand for the 787 Dreamliner family and its market-leading efficiency and versatility. We are making this significant investment today to ensure Boeing is ready to meet our customer's needs in the years and decades ahead, said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This site expansion is a testament to the incredible work of our Boeing teammates and deepens our commitment to them, to South Carolina, and to American manufacturing."

For more than a decade, BSC has been the home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle. Teammates fabricate, assemble and deliver the three Dreamliner models – 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 – to customers around the world. The company established operations in South Carolina in 2009 and currently employs more than 8,200 people across its campuses in North Charleston and in Orangeburg.

"With visionary leadership, President Trump is restoring America's industrial base and breathing life back into our great manufacturing states, including the great state of South Carolina," said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "We are proud to work alongside American businesses to build the world's greatest products, create high-paying jobs, and safeguard the economic and national security of our nation."

"Boeing's continued investment in South Carolina is a tremendous vote of confidence in our state's people and business climate," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "This $1 billion expansion and the creation of 1,000 new jobs will strengthen our position as a global leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We are grateful for Boeing's partnership and commitment to the Lowcountry, which will bring new opportunities and economic prosperity across our state."

"Boeing's decision to dramatically increase production capability of the 787 in Charleston is the ultimate vote of confidence for the South Carolina workforce," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. "I'm so pleased that Boeing is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to South Carolina. The Boeing employees in our state have proven that they are worth the investment. This expanded production will create more jobs and ensure the viability of Boeing in South Carolina for decades to come."

"Today's groundbreaking represents a significant milestone not just for Boeing but for the state of South Carolina," said U.S. Senator Tim Scott. "This expansion will create more than a thousand quality jobs and reinforce our state's leadership in developing a strong workforce and pro-business environment. I look forward to the opportunities and prosperity this investment will bring to the Lowcountry and beyond."

"The expansion of the Boeing plant in North Charleston is welcome news," said U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn. "Boeing has positioned South Carolina as a leader in the manufacturing and aerospace industry, and has created unprecedented opportunity for our workforce. This new expansion will create 1,000 new jobs. I'm thrilled for this next phase of growth, and look forward to our continuing partnership."

Imagery will be available on the Boeing Media Asset Portal following the event by 4:00 p.m. Eastern.

About Boeing:A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

About BE&K | HITT Joint Venture:HITT Contracting, a top national commercial construction firm with offices in 14 U.S. markets, including Charleston, and BE&K Building Group, a leading national design-build and construction management firm specializing in aviation and aerospace construction, are partnering to deliver the infrastructure upgrade. BE&K | HITT will serve as the construction manager for the project, with BRPH as the architect of record.

SOURCE Boeing

Want to celebrate the day of thanks, but not planning on cooking a full dinner this year? Don’t quit Thanksgiving cold turkey — we’ve got you covered with where to carry out + spots open on Thanksgiving.

We are totally falling for these local options for mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and pie. What could be butter? (Sorry, are our puns too corny?)

Poogan’s Porch + Poogan’s Southern Kitchen | Order the full feast or just pick your favorites — choose a turkey or beef tenderloin, savory sides, and if you’ll have a signature pie or bread pudding. Folks will pick up meals on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Palmira Barbecue | This West Ashley Barbecue spot is adding a Puerto Rican twist to Thanksgiving. Choose from Puerto Rican beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and arroz con gandules, plus packs of empanadas and caramel apple bread pudding. Local pick-up is on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Petit Merci | Choose from sweet potato with honey butter, Brussels sprouts with caramelized apples, and festive desserts like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cake. Pickup is on Wednesday, Nov. 26th.

Lewis Barbecue | This popular barbecue spot is offering pre-orders for local pickup with smoked turkey breast, prime rib, brisket, mac and cheese, and green chile corn pudding. You’ll be able to grab your goods from Monday, Nov. 24, until Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Hamby Catering | Packages offer traditional roast or bourbon-smoked turkey options, red skin garlic mashed potatoes, baked mac and cheese, southern green beans, dressing, and turkey gravy. There are additional sides, an appetizer package, and dessert options. Pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 26. Fun fact: For each Thanksgiving meal sold, the company sponsors a meal for families in need.

Halls Signature Events | Choose from roasted turkey, fried turkey, and ham meal kits, and schedule curbside pick-up for either Wednesday, Nov. 26, or Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.

The Select | The eatery will offer takeaway meals and other baked goods for pick-up. The meal features turkey and several sides with an option to add bread, pie, and pastries. You’ll be able to pick up your food on Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The resturant will also offer a dine-in three-course meal for $89.

Home Team BBQ | Place your order and pick it up hot or cold (with take-and-bake instructions). Don’t miss the take and mix cocktail options.

| Take something off your plate and put something on the breakfast and lunch on the table with nostalgic Italian-American favorites like pasta bakes and chicken parm.

Sugar Bakeshop | Stress less, and let this local bakery take care of your holiday dessert. Choose from pies, cakes, cookies, and Charleston classics like pecan chewies.

Lenoir | Enjoy a five-course southern holiday menu from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at chef Vivian Howard’s downtown Charleston restaurant. The meal will cost $95 per person.

| The restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving Day, from 2 to 7 p.m., serving Pelato’s signature menu alongside a special à la carte holiday menu featuring Stuffed Saucy Bird and Anthony’s family stuffing. Don’t miss the red sangria.

Uptown Social | Take it easy on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy football games and classic dinner plates.

Sorelle | Celebrate with a pre-fixe, family-style menu that blends Italian and traditional holiday dishes. The menu features dishes like chestnut agnolotti, heritage-roasted turkey, and brown sugar gelato sundae. The multi-course experience is priced at $125 per person.

82 Queen | Indulge in a three-course tasting menu for $85 a person. The menu features she crab soup, braised beef short ribs, and seasonal dishes like herb-roasted turkey breast and pumpkin pie. Reservations are encouraged.

Hotel Bennett | From 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., you can enjoy a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet in the Crown Ballroom. There will be a seafood display and a carving station with turkey, prime rib, and salmon. Adults are $135, and children 12 and under are $65. Pro tip: Adult guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco with brunch.

Gabrielle | Enjoy a special prix fixe holiday menu from 5 until 9:45 p.m. From the first course to dessert, this is an opportunity to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving. It will cost $105 per person.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Around South Carolina, military bases that are no longer in use are being transformed into new projects for the whole community.

Those developments are getting a new tool to help that happen while creating more affordable places to live in some of South Carolina’s fastest-growing areas.

“This tax increment funding that our legislature has made available is opening a lot of doors,” Gov. Henry McMaster said Thursday.

McMaster joined state lawmakers and local leaders to mark the implementation of a new state law, gathering inside what used to be a storehouse aboard the former Charleston Naval Base in North Charleston. The military base was once South Carolina’s largest civilian employer, but since its closure in 1996, there has been work to give the area new life.

The former base site is part of a tax increment financing, or TIF, district, which local governments use to invest in infrastructure improvements in run-down or abandoned areas. Then they pay it off from increased property tax revenues that result from that redevelopment.

“The revenue that’s generated from taxes can be reinvested right in the same community, accelerate the expansion, accelerate the development, and help them achieve some of the long-term goals a little faster,” Sen. Sean Bennett, R – Dorchester, said.

This new law now allows the tax revenues in TIFs at old military base sites to be used to build affordable housing.

“This law sets the redevelopment of a former Navy base on a new path, one that strengthens our connection to the military, supports new infrastructure, and creates opportunities that will benefit families, businesses, and communities across South Carolina,” North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess said.

The change, which has been in effect since July 1, applies to the three former military base TIFs in South Carolina, two of which are in some of the state’s fastest-growing areas, at the Charleston Naval Base Complex and the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, along with the Savannah River Site Redevelopment Authority.

But state leaders said this change will also help South Carolina more broadly.

“Anytime the Charleston area grows, it generates more revenue, ultimately more tax revenue, growth, that’s always going to help the other communities. Hopefully spread out some concentration of tourism and housing and those sorts of things,” Bennett said.

The new law also allows defense operations that are still located at the former naval base site to be moved to a different, secure location in the Lowcountry.

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