Remarks by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh at groundbreaking for second 787 manufacturing line in North Charleston, S.C.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
"The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is an incredible company with a great heritage-including McDonnell Aircraft, Douglas Aircraft, Hughes Aircraft, North American Aircraft, and of course, Boeing-iconic companies all.
It's a company that changed the 20th century. In World War II, we produced airplanes vital to winning the war. We helped put a man on the moon-we built the Saturn V rocket. We built the satellites that bring you the news live. And with the 707, we brought the world into the jet age.
I want you to know the kind of company you're joining. This is a company that does the hard things. And I want to let you know that you are now part of the history of The Boeing Company.
The 787 Dreamliner will be the first new airplane of the 21st century. Some say that distinction belongs to the Airbus A380, but in my mind, that's the last airplane of the 20th century.
The 787 will revolutionize how people travel. It will be more efficient, travel longer routes, be more passenger friendly and more environmentally friendly. And South Carolina will be part of this.
I came to visit here six weeks ago because I wanted to get an impression of the work force here. My impression was that the people here are hard working, dedicated, willing to learn and anxious to be a part of aerospace history.
Some would call this a win for South Carolina-and a loss for Washington state.
But there are no winners or losers in this. Our decision to come to South Carolina will be good for our competitiveness, for our customers, and for our country. And it will create jobs in both South Carolina and Puget Sound.
Before I go further, let me say a word to the community leaders and elected officials here. You sold us on South Carolina. You helped make this possible. Gov. [Mark] Sanford, Sen. [Lindsey] Graham, Sen. [Jim] DeMint and everyone who worked so hard--thank you.
Let me take a moment to introduce your newest resident-Marco Cavazzoni, the new vice president and general manager, Final Assembly and Delivery, Charleston. He will lead the new site.
And I'd also like to reintroduce you to Tim Coyle, our vice president who oversees the current site.
Let me close by saying that today is an important day for all of us. But it is only a first step. This is the first step in delivering hundreds of jets to our customers. But more importantly, it is the first step in developing a world-class aerospace capability in South Carolina.
To our future employees-welcome to Boeing. You, along with 160,000 other Boeing employees, will continue to change the world.
I know that the senator needs no introduction, but let me tell you how I know him. He is a tireless supporter of our troops; he ensures they get the best equipment and support. He makes sure American servicemen and servicewomen have the advantage because they have the tools they need. He is a tireless supporter of U.S. industry, its manufacturing and free trade. He is a great friend of Boeing.
Senator Lindsey Graham."
Contact:
Yvonne Leach, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications, +1 206-854-5027
Candy Eslinger, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications, +1 843-819-1488
More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/index.html
DATASOURCE: The Boeing Company
CONTACT: Yvonne Leach, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications,
+1-206-854-5027; or Candy Eslinger, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Communications, +1-843-819-1488