SEATTLE — Boeing’s ties to the Pacific Northwest date back more than a century, when William Boeing purchased a Seattle shipyard that would become his first airplane factory.
In recent years, however, those ties have been fraying, first with the company shifting its headquarters to Chicago, then with the development of a new production line in South Carolina. Now, the relationship between Boeing and Washington state is near the point of unraveling after a fiery debate among machinists this week led the workers to reject a long-term contract.
On Thursday, Boeing made good on its threats and said it is looking elsewhere to develop its popular new 777X airplane — and the company may take thousands of jobs away.
Boeing Co. spokesman Doug Alder declined to specify where the company is now looking, saying there is no shortlist and that there are many places both within Boeing’s current operations and outside that are being explored.
“Everything is back on the table,” he said.
Alex Pietsch, who serves as Gov. Jay Inslee’s leader on aerospace issues, said Thursday he now expects fresh competition for the 777X line from places like South Carolina, Texas, southern California, Utah, Alabama and Georgia.
“This is arguably the most significant prize in commercial aviation history,” Pietsch said.
