Blog Post

World's Largest Manufacturing Building, world record in Everett, Washington

May 31, 2024

Everett, Washington, United States--The Boeing Everett Factory, officially the Everett Production Facility, an airplane assembly facility operated by Boeing in Everett, Washington, United States, sits on the north side of Paine Field, covers 98.3 acres (39.8 ha) and has a volume of over 472 million cubic feet (13,400,000 m3), setting the world record for being the World's Largest Manufacturing Building, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The Boeing Everett Factory, officially the Everett Production Facility, is an airplane assembly facility operated by Boeing in Everett, Washington, United States. It sits on the north side of Paine Field and includes the largest building in the world by volume at over 472 million cubic feet (13,400,000 m3) and covers 98.3 acres (39.8 ha).

"The entire complex covers approximately 1,000 acres (400 ha) and spans both sides of State Route 526 (named the Boeing Freeway). The factory was built in 1967 for the Boeing 747 and has since been expanded several times to accommodate new airliners, including the 767, 777, and 787 programs. More than 5,000 widebody aircraft have been built at the Everett factory since it opened.

"The Boeing Everett complex sits on 1,000 acres (400 ha) in southwestern Everett, about 22 miles (35 km) north of Seattle. It includes up to 200 separate buildings and facilities, mostly on the north and east sides of Paine Field's main runway, and straddles both sides of State Route 526 (named the Boeing Freeway). The complex includes a fire station, a medical clinic, a gymnasium, on-site security, and seven restaurants and cafes." (Wikipedia)

"As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact," the official website says.

"Boeing has a long tradition of aerospace leadership and innovation. The company continues to expand its product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. Its broad range of capabilities includes creating new, more efficient members of its commercial airplane family; designing, building and integrating military platforms and defense systems; creating advanced technology solutions; and arranging innovative financing and service options for customers.

"With corporate offices near Washington, D.C., Boeing employs more than 170,000 people across the United States and in more than 65 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere. Our enterprise also leverages the talents of hundreds of thousands more skilled people working for Boeing suppliers worldwide."

Key Takeaways

Boeing's Everett Facility, the largest building on Earth by volume, covers 98.3 acres (39.8 hectares) and has an interior volume of 472 million cubic feet (13.3 million cubic meters).
The facility functions like a small city, housing 36,000 workers and featuring its own fire department, banks, daycare, medical clinic and water treatment plant.
It includes a complex tunnel system for utility and personnel movement, uses 26 overhead cranes along 39 miles (62.7 kilometers) of tracks for aircraft assembly, and accommodates expansions for Boeing 767, 777 and the 777X's composite wing fabrication.

(Source: How Stuff Works)

"Boeing’s Everett Site is heralded as having the largest manufacturing building in the world, producing the 747, 767, 777, and the 787 airplanes," the official website says.

"Thousands of aerospace employees in Everett support aircraft fabrication and production, product development, aviation safety and security and airplane certifications. Other production areas at the site include the paint hangars, flight line and delivery center. Originally built in 1967 to manufacture the 747, the main assembly building has grown to enclose 472 million cubic feet of space over 98.3 acres.

"In January 1967, the first production workers arrived at Everett, and on May 1, 1967, the major assembly buildings opened their doors for the first time. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Everett site every year. VIP visitors have included U.S. presidents, international dignitaries, CEOs, astronauts and other celebrities. More than 40 years later,

"Everett employees are making history again as they manufacture the company's newest twin-aisle airplanes, the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8. Development of the popular 777X is also based in Everett."

Quick Facts

The 747 is an impressive 225 feet (68.6 meters) long with a tail as tall as a six-story building and a wingspan that could accommodate 45 cars.
Approximately 3,600 airplanes combined of the 747, 767, 777 and 787 models have delivered to customers around the world.
A group of employees, dubbed “The Incredibles,” assembled the first 747-100 at the same time construction workers were building the first factory, which was completed in 1968.
The Boeing Everett campus is big enough to encompass Disneyland with 12 acres left over for parking.
More than 30,000 people work at Boeing Everett, which has its own fire department, security team, day care center and fitness center.
The 767 pioneered long-range twin-jet flight in the 1980s.
The 777 was originally conceived as a stretched 767, but Boeing instead adopted an all new design.
As the first airplane largely made with state-of-the-art composite materials, the 787 offers greater efficiency, more durability and a better passenger experience (with lower cabin altitude and higher humidity).

(Source: Boeing)

"The Boeing Everett factory in Washington, USA is the largest production factory in the world," the Guinness World Records says.

"With a total volume of 13,385,378 cubic metres (472,370,319 cubic feet), covering a floor area of 399,480 square metres (98.3 acres), the facility is used to build the Boeing 747, 767, 777 and the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

"Opened in 1967, the factory has expanded twice in its history to accommodate production of the latest line of planes, to achieve the tremendous size we see today."

"When you build airplanes, you need space. The world's largest building by volume, the 4.2 million square foot Boeing manufacturing facility north of Seattle in Everett, Washington, covers nearly 100 acres and rolls out the 747, 767, 777 and 787," the Popular Mechanics says.

"Along with a museum, theater, 19 restaurants and store, the 1966-built facility includes 2.33 miles of pedestrian tunnels underneath the factory floor, its own railway spur, over 1,000 bicycles for getting around the plant and even the world's largest mural."

"One of the world’s biggest factories is also the world’s biggest building by volume, at almost 13.4 million cubic metres. Built to manufacture the Boeing 747, it has since been expanded to build the 737 MAX, 767, 777, and the 787 Dreamliner," the Discovery Channel UK says.

"The building is so big it houses a fire station, daycare centre, gyms, coffee shops and restaurants for its 30,000 employees.

"There are 2.3 miles of pedestrian tunnels under the factory floor and workers have the use of over 1,000 bicycles to move around the vast complex."

Let's Tour Together

"Step inside the world's largest factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the Boeing Everett Factory and 777 assembly line. Each tour is an 80-minute guided experience with a front row view of current airplane production, the Everett site’s history and the central role it plays in the future of commercial aviation," the Boeing.com says.

"We are one of Washington State’s premier aerospace attractions, showcasing Boeing products, services, and our commitment to advancing our world through sustainable fuels to autonomous aerial systems. We are the gateway to the renowned Boeing Everett Factory Tour that has recently reopened. At Boeing Future of Flight, you can also experience our Gallery, Sky Deck and the flagship Boeing Store.

Pro-Tip: Tickets sell out quickly. We recommend booking tickets in advance, either online or through the Call Center: +1 (800) 464-1476

Tour Schedule: Offered Thursday – Monday. Select 'Buy Tickets' to check availability.

Photos: Facebook/Boeing Future of Flight