A joint venture team of HITT Contracting, based in Falls Church, Virginia, and BE&K Building Group, based in Morrisville, North Carolina, has been awarded the contract for Boeing’s South Carolina expansion project in North Charleston, South Carolina. The announcement, made on March 4, marks the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade as part of Boeing’s $1 billion investment in its North Charleston campus. This expansion will support the increased demand for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The expansion, which includes projects at the facilities located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd., was revealed by Boeing on December 12, 2024. The move is a response to growing demand for the 787 Dreamliner and aims to enhance production and capabilities at Boeing’s South Carolina site. Boeing first established operations in South Carolina in 2009, and the state has been home to the full production cycle of the 787 Dreamliner for over a decade, according to the Governor's Office of South Carolina.

The $1 billion investment will help Boeing create additional infrastructure, including a servicing and testing facility for its cargo aircraft, the Dreamlifter. The Dreamlifter, a modified Boeing 747, is used to transport parts from suppliers to the 787 assembly lines. The investment will also involve the construction of approximately 8.2 acres of structural concrete, as well as a new employee parking lot to accommodate the growing workforce at the facility.

“HITT is proud to partner with BE&K and Boeing on this transformative expansion in Charleston,” said Evan Antonides, co-president of HITT Contracting, in the company’s press release.

Construction and Architectural Teams

As part of the expansion, the joint venture team will serve as the construction manager, while BRPH, a Florida-based architectural firm, will serve as the architect of record. The construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the completion of the expansion expected by early 2027. This project marks another milestone in Boeing’s long-standing presence in South Carolina and its commitment to scaling up operations to meet the increasing demand for the 787 Dreamliner.

Challenges and Setbacks for Boeing

The announcement comes at a challenging time for Boeing, which has faced significant financial and operational hurdles in the past year. The company reported a loss of $11.8 billion in 2024, primarily due to a 53-day labor strike and the costs associated with layoffs of thousands of employees. Additionally, Boeing is grappling with the fallout from safety-related incidents, including two high-profile aviation disasters that occurred in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives. Another incident in January 2024 involved a door plug detaching from the fuselage of a Boeing 737-9 Max during a test flight.

Despite these challenges, the $1 billion investment in the South Carolina campus signals Boeing's commitment to growth and its confidence in the future of the 787 program. The expansion also reinforces Boeing’s ongoing efforts to improve its manufacturing and testing capabilities, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global aerospace market.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The expansion is expected to have significant economic benefits for the region. It will create job opportunities in construction, engineering, and manufacturing, along with long-term employment for workers in the expanded facilities. Additionally, the new parking lot and expanded infrastructure are expected to improve the work environment for Boeing’s growing workforce.

This investment also aligns with Boeing’s broader strategy to modernize its facilities and infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge in the aerospace industry. The company’s commitment to South Carolina highlights the state’s importance as a key manufacturing hub for the aerospace giant, with production facilities for both the 787 and 737 families of aircraft.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

The completion of the expansion in early 2027 will mark the next chapter in Boeing’s South Carolina operations, which have been integral to the company’s production of the 787 Dreamliner. The project is not only critical to Boeing’s manufacturing needs but also a key part of the company’s broader effort to rebuild and stabilize after the difficulties of the past few years. The expansion is expected to play a vital role in helping Boeing meet the growing demand for the Dreamliner and strengthen its position as a global leader in the aerospace sector.

About the Companies Involved

HITT Contracting

‍Based in Falls Church, Virginia, HITT is a leading national construction management firm that specializes in commercial, residential, and industrial projects.

BE&K Building Group

‍Headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, BE&K is a full-service construction firm that offers preconstruction, construction management, and general contracting services.

BRPH

‍A Florida-based architectural and engineering firm known for its work in the aerospace, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

The collaboration between these companies reflects a strong partnership to support Boeing’s expansion while delivering a high-quality facility that meets the rigorous demands of aerospace manufacturing.

Conclusion

Boeing’s $1 billion investment in South Carolina not only highlights the company’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for its 787 Dreamliner but also signals a bright future for the aerospace industry in the region. With the support of HITT, BE&K, and BRPH, the expansion is set to boost Boeing’s manufacturing and testing capabilities, providing a major economic boost to North Charleston and ensuring Boeing’s continued leadership in the global aerospace market.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.