Boeing Pours $1B into North Charleston Expansion, Adds 500 Jobs

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Boeing announced Thursday a $1 billion investment to expand its operations in Charleston County, creating 500 new jobs over the next five years. The upgrades target infrastructure at the company's North Charleston campuses on 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd., supporting increased production of the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing aims to hit 10 airplanes per month by 2026, with facilities operational by early 2027.[1][2] Gov. Henry McMaster spotlighted the expansion, calling it a vote of confidence in South Carolina's workforce just months after Boeing's nationwide layoffs slashed about 220 positions here — 211 at North Charleston — effective Jan. 17, 2025. The hires will bolster the full 787 production cycle at the site, which also includes a facility at 174 Millennium Drive in Orangeburg. Boeing South Carolina remains a cornerstone of the state's aerospace sector, drawing skilled talent from the Lowcountry.[2][3] The investment arrives as global demand for the Dreamliner fuels growth, positioning North Charleston as a key player in Boeing's recovery strategy. Company officials urged job seekers to check Boeing's careers page for openings in aerospace manufacturing. Local economists project the jobs will inject millions into Charleston County's economy, sustaining families hit by prior cuts.[1][2]