Boeing officially began construction on its new enhanced Everett Delivery Center (EDC) with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Boeing employees, customers and local dignitaries.

“Our customers are demanding our products like never before,” said Jeff Klemann, Vice President of the Delivery Center.

“As we build more airplanes at faster and faster rates, we also need a world-class facility to conduct our delivery operations. The new Everett Delivery Center will be more than just a building; it's an investment in our customers, our local community, our employees and Boeing's future,” he added.

The new facility will feature three times the office, conference and delivery operations space as the current EDC. The design includes a customer complex and delivery lounge to enhance the customer experience, as more than 150 customer representatives work on-site in the EDC.

The new EDC is expected to open for operation in early 2013. Plans are in place to ensure seamless deliveries during the interim period.

The EDC, central to Boeing's Everett site operations, houses major functions and personnel related to the delivery of its 747, 767, 777 and 787 commercial airplanes.