Boeing's decision to relocate its global headquarters from a Chicago office tower to a much smaller facility in Arlington, VA wasn't driven by the need to reduce its office footprint in the Windy City, although that's part of the deal.

In making the relocation announcement, the company did not indicate how many—if any—of the approximately 500 workers it employs in its Chicago office will be moving to Arlington. President & CEO Dave Calhoun said Boeing would maintain its office presence in Chicago in a footprint it has reduced during the past two years by implementing "flexible and virtual" solutions for using its workspace.

By deciding to shift the global HQ designation to a six-story building in Arlington that Boeing built a decade ago, the aerospace giant is doubling down on a commitment to help lead the ongoing digital transformation of advanced manufacturing.