Boeing Gearing Up in Carolinas

Updated from Tuesday, July 7

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Now that it has agreed to buy a South Carolina plant that fabricates major parts for the 787, Boeing(BA Quote) could be on a path to establish a new 787 assembly line in that state as well.

Boeing said Tuesday it will pay $580 million for the Vought Aircraft Industries plant in North Charleson, where Vought fabricates and assembles the rear fuselage sections for the long-delayed aircraft. Boeing will also release Vought from repaying unspecified advances.

Many view the deal as the first step on the path to Boeing's creation of a second line in North Charleston, complementing the current line in Everett, Wash. It's no secret that Boeing has had some labor issues in its current location. ...