OLYMPIA — Washington officials are asking the state’s largest manufacturer what it can do to keep the 787 jetliner production line from moving to South Carolina, Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday.
So far, the Boeing Co. hasn’t offered any suggestions, although it has told state officials no decision on such a move has been made, Inslee said during a news conference. The company has said it is looking at the data and will continue to talk.
Boeing currently builds its 787 Dreamliner in Everett and Charleston, S.C., but Reuters reported earlier this week the company is considering closing the Everett line. Closing that production line in Everett could cost thousands of jobs.
“We are intent on continuing to make a case that this is the best place to make airplanes — has been, probably always will be,” Inslee said. “Unfortunately the Boeing Company has not offered us suggestions in this regard … We’ll continue to ask.”