Boeing’s October announcement to build a second 787 assembly line in North Charleston has created tremendous excitement in Charleston, South Carolina and across the US. The 787 Dreamliner boasts extreme fuel efficiency (20% more fuel-efficient than the 767), and will use composite materials for most of its construction. The Charleston plant will piece together parts from assembly lines across the world, and hopes to produce three 787’s per month at full production. Boeing plans to start production at the Charleston plant in mid-2011 and finish their first Dreamliner by 2012.

Learn more about the 787 Dreamliner below

The plant will cost $750 million to construct, bringing construction jobs, and later, jobs at the Boeing assembly plant and money to the local economy. Construction will begin at the end of 2009, and will produce an estimated 600 jobs at the peak of construction (with an estimated 2,000 additional “spin-off impact” jobs). Boeing expects to create 3,800 new jobs over a seven-year period.

What does this mean for the general business environment in Charleston? Experts are predicting that this big announcement will encourage other businesses to come to South Carolina.

Why did Boeing decide on Charleston for their new plant? Various considerations were in play, including: an existing plant already in Charleston, incentives from the state, available workforce in the area (see article on Trident Tech’s aerospace program) and access to the world market.

The Cigar Factory is proud to welcome Boeing to Charleston! With 40,000 square feet of retail space and 25,000 square feet of office space, the Cigar Factory has plenty to offer both businesses and individuals relocating to Charleston. This historic, mixed-use development is built around the idea of “live, work, play,” with a blend of office, retail and residential units. The 66 residential units will have amenities such as: a rooftop observation deck with wet bar, fitness center, screening room, wine cellar, dog walk and more. Office tenants get more than just office space, with access to a high-tech conference room, private showers (great after a run over the Arthur Ravanel Bridge!) and fitness club and lots of FREE parking. View the renderings of office and residential space, and learn more about the amenties here.

Want a closer look? Take a virtual tour of the building and its features here.