Boeing opens propulsion systems facility in South Carolina

Boeing celebrated the opening of its new propulsion engineering and assembly facility in North Charleston. The team of engineers, manufacturing and support personnel at Propulsion South Carolina (PSC) are responsible for the design and assembly of the 737 MAX engine nacelle inlet, the design of the 737 MAX engine nacelle fan cowl and the design and engineering integration for the 777X nacelle. PSC employees have worked in other Boeing South Carolina facilities while the new building was under construction. Propulsion South Carolina was established in May 2013 to build capability and capacity in integrated propulsion system design and assembly to support growth and enhance the performance of future airplanes. Boeing has relied on its supply chain to perform the majority of propulsion system design and assembly during the last 10 to 15 years, but is strategically bringing some of that work in-house. The 225,000 ft² (20,903 m²) facility will include state-of-the-art automated manufacturing equipment to efficiently assemble the 737 MAX engine nacelle inlets when production begins later this year. It also provides office space for engineering design, production and support staff.