Boeing tightens grip on Dreamliner assembly

Global Aeronautica - previously a 50-50 joint venture with Boeing -  assembles the mid-fuselage sections of the plane, installs and tests associated elements and applies surface finishes to more than 60 percent of the fuselage, Boeing said today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Boeing said it would integrate Global Aeronautica's facilities with Boeing's organization in North Charleston, S.C.

Ultimately, we believe integration of the site will increase productivity for the 787 program and allow us to maintain our long-term competitiveness, said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing recently completed the first test flight of the Dreamliner after a two year delay. The company has previously acknowledged that inefficiencies in its manufacturing process have caused the delays.