| Plant to Employ More Than 600 Workers |
| CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A Texas aircraft
parts maker has picked a site at Charleston International Airport
for a $500 million plant that will employ more than 600
workers. Governor Mark Sanford is expected to make the announcement about the more than $400 million plant on Wednesday in North Charleston. A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed the plant and said employment could eventually reach 900. Vought Aircraft Industries of Dallas and Italy's Alenia Aeronautica have been searching for a site for nearly a year to supply Boeing with parts for a new lightweight passenger jet. State lawmakers received invitations on Monday. Boeing picked Vought and Alenia to make about one-fourth of the fuselage and other structural parts for its 7-E-7 Dreamliner. The fuel-efficient widebody passenger jet is designed to replace the 757 and 767. The contract calls for the delivery of the first lightweight fuselage sections in 2006. |