The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina in the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) Manufacturing Madness competition!
Manufacturing Madness is a month-long, bracket-style contest where the public votes on what they think is the Coolest Thing Made in SC. This year, nearly 200,000 votes poured in from all over the world – more than 120 countries – and the Dreamliner soared to the top, beating out some tough competition from across the state.
“The innovation, precision, and craftsmanship that go into building the 787 Dreamliner reflect the very best of our state’s manufacturing industry,” said SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard. “Boeing South Carolina represents that excellence at the highest level.”
Governor Henry McMaster also praised the BSC team. “South Carolina’s manufacturing industry is second to none, and it continues to drive opportunity and prosperity in every corner of our state,” said Gov. McMaster. “Each day, our manufacturers are building products that compete and win on the global stage. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is a powerful example of that success, showcasing the talent of South Carolina’s workforce. We are proud to celebrate Boeing, our manufacturing industry, and the South Carolinians who power it.”
BSC teammates pose alongside Governor Henry McMaster, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, and SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard at the South Carolina Statehouse after the announcement on Tuesday, March 24.
Why is this such a big deal?
- The 787 Dreamliner is the bestselling widebody passenger airplane in aviation history.
- It's designed and built by more than 9,000 Boeing teammates in North Charleston and Orangeburg.
- The Dreamliner has carried over one billion passengers worldwide and opened more than 520 new nonstop routes since it first took flight.
- It's known for cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency that's changing the future of air travel.
“What makes this award truly special is the people behind the plane —our Boeing teammates. From the engineers designing the future; to the skilled technicians, safety and quality teams who bring every piece together with precision and care — this win belongs to you,” said Jessica Williford, Senior Director of State Advocacy and Global Engagement for BSC, who accepted the award alongside a dozen teammates in Columbia, S.C., on March 24.
The Dreamliner beat out other finalists including:
- Constant Velocity Joint – JTEKT, Greenville
- PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall – Zeus, Orangeburg
- CardioEducator – NursEdvance Innovations, Richland
This is the fifth year of the Manufacturing Madness contest, which celebrates the incredible products and people behind South Carolina’s manufacturing success.