Inslee’s statement on Boeing’s decision to move production of the 787 to South Carolina

History

Governor Jay Inslee released a statement today about the Boeing Company’s decision to move all production of the 787 Dreamliner to South Carolina.

“Washington State remains the best place in the world to build airplanes. Boeing’s success as a company is a credit to Washington state workers and taxpayers. Today’s announcement is an insult to the aerospace workers who build the 787s.

“I recently asked Boeing leadership what the company needs to maintain production of the 787 in Washington state. In all of our conversations, they never asked for anything. I understand the serious market forces that Boeing faces today. What I don’t understand why the company can not commit to restoring production here when the market for this plane improves.

“This news touches more heavily on the more than 1,000 Washington workers who build the 787, and many more who face uncertainty as a result of this decision. The aerospace industry will continue to be a major employer in our state, with about 70,000 workers. The state is committed to maintaining support for these companies and workers.

“But Boeing’s decision to take the 787 to South Carolina requires a review of our partnership and the company’s favorable tax treatment.

“We have the most talented workforce in the world and unparalleled infrastructure. We are consistently the highest rated state for workers and companies, and there is still a competitive business environment for aerospace manufacturing in our state.”