Boeing opens vertical fin assembly line for S.C. 787s

The Boeing Co. opened an assembly line Tuesday to manufacture vertical fins for the 787 Dreamliners scheduled to be built in North Charleston, the company said.

Boeing Fabrication will operate the new line in Salt Lake City, where the aerospace company manufactures components for its other aircraft. The assembly line was built using “lean manufacturing techniques,” according to a company news release. The techniques reduce floor space while increasing production capacity without adding new buildings.

The company hosted politicians, businesses, community groups and Boeing employees during an event to open the new assembly line. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert officially opened the new line by turning on electrical power with the press of a button.

“With increasing demand for our products and the development of two new airplanes, this is an exciting time for Boeing,” said Ross Bogue, vice president and general manager of Boeing Fabrication. “Boeing Salt Lake City has a key role in the future success of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.”

The plant expects to deliver its first vertical fin by the end of the year. The North Charleston facility expects to begin assembling Dreamliners in mid-July.