EVERETT, WA—Boeing has begun ground work on itsnew 777X Composite Wing Center at the Everettcampus. Permitting for the new 1-million-square-foot facilitywas completed approximately seven weeks earlier than anticipated,allowing for an accelerated start to construction.
Boeing is investing more than $1 billion in theEverett site for construction and outfitting of the newbuilding.
Once completed, the facility located on the north side of the mainfinal assembly building will help usher in composite wingfabrication for the company's newest commercial jetliner andsustain thousands of local jobs for decades to come.
"We're excited with the progress being made on this new facilitythat will play a crucial role in bringing the 777X to market," saidBoeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO RayConner. "We wouldn't be in this position without thesupport of our teammates and partners throughout the Puget Soundregion and in Olympia—we owe them all a debt of gratitude."
Completion of the new building, which is expected in May2016, will require approximately 3.5 million hours ofwork. At its peak, there will be approximately 1,200 contractemployees working on the project. By the numbers, the new buildingwill require:

-- 31,000 tons (28,000 metric tons) of steel
-- 480 miles (770 kilometers) ofelectrical cable
-- 80,000 linear feet (24,384 meters ) ofprocess piping
-- 530,000 cubic yards (405,210 cubicmeters) of fill material
-- 170,000 tons (154,000 metric tons) ofconcrete

To date, the 777X has accumulated 300orders and commitments. Two models will comprise the 777Xfamily - the 777-8X, with approximately350 seats and a range capability of more than9,300 nautical miles; and the 777-9X, withapproximately 400 seats and a range of more than8,200 nautical miles. The 777-8X competes directly with the AirbusA350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself, Boeing says.First delivery of the 777X is targeted for2020.