In the 1960s, the design for the new 747 was so big that no factory that Boeing had at the time could house it, so the company evaluated locations for new production facilities elsewhere and a site near Paine Field in Snohomish County, Washington was chosen. This location offered access to rail service and maritime shipping, as well as an airfield. Also, under a tight schedule, it was important to have a site near the company’s engineering talent. Despite the risks and challenges, Boeing successfully designed, built and flew what would be the world’s largest commercial airplane for the next several decades.