Forty years ago today, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] opened the major assembly buildings of its Everett factory to build the first-ever jumbo jet – the 747.
EVERETT — Four decades later, that factory has grown into the largest building in the world by volume and is home to every Boeing twin-aisle airplane program – 747, 767, 777 and 787 Programs. To date, Boeing employees at the Everett site have built and delivered more than 2,950 airplanes.
To mark the milestone, Boeing hosted a ceremony with employees and local politicians in the Everett factory, located 30 miles north of Seattle. Boeing also launched a new Web site featuring Boeing’s presence in Everett.
„The Everett factory is a perfect example of Boeing’s pioneering spirit,“ said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager 747, 767 and 777 Programs and Everett site. „Today, we celebrate the amazing accomplishments that have taken place at this facility. We also look to the Everett site’s bright future.“
The Everett site was originally built in the late 1960s to produce the 747. It expanded with the addition of the 767 assembly line in 1980 and the 777 line in 1993. The Boeing Everett site also is home to the 787 Dreamliner, scheduled to roll out later this summer. Now, the Everett facility is Boeing’s largest site, spanning more than 1,000 acres and employing more than 25,000 people. The Everett factory building was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest building in the world in 1967.
„This milestone represents a successful partnership among Boeing, the State of Washington, Snohomish County and the City of Everett,“ said Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett. „We will continue to build on our relationship with Boeing as a key employer and community member.“
Over the years, the Everett site has become more than a factory for the 747, 767 and 777. Because of its size and magnitude, the Everett plant represents Boeing to the world. A number of dignitaries have visited the Everett site over the years, including U.S. President Bill Clinton, People’s Republic of China President Hu Jintao, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia, Prince Philippe of Spain and King Hussein of Jordan.