The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, produced at Boeing’s North Charleston facility, has been named the ‘2026 Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina’ by the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) association.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following the conclusion of a competitive Manufacturing Madness bracket, which attracted nearly 200,000 votes from around the world.
The Dreamliner Wins
The 787 Dreamliner triumphed over three other impressive finalists:
- Constant Velocity Joint – JTEKT, Greenville
- PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall – Zeus, Orangeburg
- CardioEducator – NursEdvance Innovations, Richland
As the best-selling passenger widebody aircraft in aviation history, the 787 Dreamliner is produced almost entirely at Boeing’s North Charleston plant, which employs more than 9,000 associates. The aircraft’s success represents a major achievement for South Carolina’s manufacturing industry.
Recognition for South Carolina’s Manufacturing Excellence
Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of SCMC, emphasized the significance of manufacturing in the state, saying, “Manufacturing is at the heart of what makes South Carolina a great place to work and live.”
She also praised Boeing’s contributions, noting that the 787 Dreamliner reflects the very best of the state’s manufacturing capabilities.
“This contest is about celebrating the people behind these products, and Boeing South Carolina represents that excellence at the highest level,” Hazzard added.
History of Manufacturing Madness
This marks the fifth iteration of the Manufacturing Madness Contest. Past winners have included:
- Nucor Steel Berkeley
- Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Honda’s Talon 1000R-4
- Gallo’s High Noon Sun Sips
The contest is a celebration of South Carolina’s manufacturing achievements, which play a critical role in the state’s economy.
Economic Impact
Manufacturing is a key driver of the South Carolina economy, providing 30% of all jobs in the state and contributing more than $300 billion annually. Boeing’s success with the 787 Dreamliner further underscores the importance of the sector and its positive impact on the local and national economy.
