Boeing Moves to Speed 787 Production

Seeking to stem mounting delays in the production of its breakthrough 787 jetliner, Boeing is getting more involved in the early steps of the assembly process, the Chicago Tribune reports. Boeing said yesterday it will buy out a partner's share of a South Carolina plant that assembles two rear sections of the Dreamliner's fuselage, allowing them to get the company's assembly line and 300 workers back on track.

Hoping to spread development costs and speed manufacturing, the jet maker had outsourced much of the design, production, and even assembly of some sections of the Dreamliner. But suppliers have fallen so far behind, Boeing has already pushed back delivery of what has become the fastest-selling airplane for six months.