South Carolina is the “it” State for the Aerospace Industry

South Carolina is the new “it” state for the aerospace industry according to SC Gov. Nikki Haley. The aerospace industry is an important component of the SC economy ever since the Department of Commerce announced its plan to initiate a new strategic plan to enhance the state’s aerospace industry and ever since Boeing opened its new assembly plant in Charleston.

Gov. Haley, attended the Farnborough International Airshow in London and told reporters, “South Carolina continues to be the buzz because of Boeing…And that’s a good thing…We got in front of a lot of suppliers.”

Boeing opened its South Carolina assembly plant to manufacture the new 787 Dreamliner airplane. The Charleston, SC plant is the second assembly line for the aircraft. The first assembly plant is located in Washington State.

The Farnborough International Airshow attracts the top companies from all over the world and is the largest gathering of aircraft buyers, sellers, and suppliers. Delegates from allover the world flock to the Farnborough International Airshow to mingle and meet top aerospace executives in hopes to attract business and jobs to their country or state.

South Carolina is a top candidate because, “The cost of doing business in South Carolina is so much lower than other states,” said Haley. “You don’t have to conform to our work force; our work force conforms to you.”

Delegates from S.C. Department of Commerce have conducted about 50 meetings with different aerospace companies. Haley said she’s attended about 15 of those meetings. No deals have been closed yet; however many executives were impressed with South Carolina because it is home for Boeing and the Airbus plant is being built in nearby Alabama.

Boeing employs about 6,000 people in South Carolina – No wonder Haley and other delegates are lobbying hard for more aerospace business. The South Carolina plant has completed its second 787 Dreamliner jet, but hopes to start finishing 3.5 jets per month. The Dreamliner is fuel-efficient and built for long-distance passengers.

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