BA Boeing Co

By Michael Dabaie

Boeing Co. said it will consolidate production of 787 jets at its facility in North Charleston, S.C., which the company estimated will start in mid-2021.

The Wall Street Journal had reported Tuesday that Boeing would set plans to consolidate 787 Dreamliner assembly in South Carolina, citing people familiar with the matter.

The decision comes as the company is taking action to preserve liquidity and reposition some lines of business in the current global environment to enhance efficiency and improve performance for the long-term.

The company began assembling 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes at its Everett, Wash., site in 2007, and brought the North Charleston facility on line as a second final assembly line in 2010. However, only the North Charleston site is set up to build the larger 787-10 model, the company said.

Production of the smaller 787 models will continue in Everett until the program transitions to the previously announced production rate of six airplanes a month in 2021.

Boeing said it is assessing potential impacts to employment in Everett and North Charleston and will communicate any changes directly to its employees.

Boeing shares were up 2% to $168.56.

Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 01, 2020 11:56 ET (15:56 GMT)

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