As Boeing Picks Up More Land In South Carolina Local Officials Prep To Attract New Project Here

December 17, 2017

Everett Economy, Everett Jobs

Boeing Everett, WA doors

Local officials are figuring ways to convince Boeing to bring more new work to Everett.

Last week David Wren of the Post and Courier newspaper in South Carolina reported that a State agency is gathering land near the current 787 assembly building in Charleston.

Also last week Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced the creation of an Aerospace Task Force uniting local governments, public sector groups, business, and labor to secure the design, production, and final assembly of Boeing’s new midsize airplane. Here’s a press release from Thursday.

Today, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced the creation of an Aerospace Task Force uniting local governments, public sector groups, business, and labor to secure the design, production, and final assembly of Boeing’s new midsize airplane, the “NMA,” and strengthen the aerospace supplier base in the county.

“Boeing and our world-class workforce are vital to the prosperity of Snohomish County,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “We face fierce global competition and need to maintain our position as the aerospace leader of the world. For continued success, we must aggressively work to retain and grow jobs. We cannot afford the risk of losing any business when it comes to our aerospace cluster.”

Executive Somers is directing the Task Force to move swiftly to ensure everything is in place for Boeing to launch the NMA program and assemble its next generation aircraft in Snohomish County. The Task Force will assess preparations and work with the State and other partners to land the NMA.

“As President of the Puget Sound Regional Council, Executive Somers has made bringing home the NMA a regional priority. This new task force will be critical to regional and statewide efforts to secure this new jet.” said PSRC Executive Director Josh Brown.

“Economic development and supporting our aerospace industry will be some of my top priorities as Everett’s new mayor,” said Cassie Franklin, Everett’s Mayor-elect. “I’m proud to join efforts with Executive Somers on this important issue.”

The Task Force will hold its first meeting in January 2018. Organizations and entities invited to participate include: Snohomish County Council, Snohomish County Cities, Port of Everett, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Washington State University, University of Washington, Everett Community College, Edmonds Community College, Everett School District, Workforce Snohomish County, International Association of Machinists Local 751, Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), and Snohomish County Labor Council. Boeing is expected to announce the launch of a new midsize airline sometime in 2018.

“We can’t afford to wait,” said Executive Somers. “We, as the leaders of Snohomish County, will use this time to make sure all is in place to make the decision where to build the NMA as easy as possible for Boeing.”

Snohomish County is home to a thriving aerospace industry. With 41,000 workers spanning 200 firms, including Boeing, 48% of the State’s aerospace workforce is employed in the county. The aerospace supply chain, with 600 suppliers statewide, supports Boeing as well as Airbus, Bombardier, Comac, Embraer, Mitsubishi, and Sukhoi. Nowhere in the country is there a better concentration and alignment of aerospace assets to drive forward innovation.



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