News Summary
Lockheed Martin has announced layoffs affecting 10% of its workforce at its Greenville site, due to the Air Force’s decision not to extend the F-16 maintenance contract. Approximately 180 employees will be impacted. The company assures its commitment to supporting affected staff through outplacement services and career counseling. Local representatives highlight the site’s significance in the defense sector, with ongoing demands for military aircraft maintenance and future growth prospects for the facility.
Greenville, South Carolina
Lockheed Martin has announced layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its workforce at the Greenville site, equating to around 180 employees. This decision comes in response to the Air Force’s decision not to extend the F-16 maintenance facility contract, significantly impacting the operations at this crucial facility.
A corporate spokesperson indicated that the layoffs were the result of careful evaluation and consideration of the circumstances surrounding the F-16 maintenance operations. Lockheed Martin remains committed to supporting the affected employees through various initiatives, including outplacement services and career counseling.
Operational Background
The Greenville facility is pivotal for the maintenance of F-16 jets, categorized under Lockheed Martin’s operations within the Continental United States (CONUS). Established as the first U.S.-based F-16 Depot dedicated to maintenance, it previously operated under a substantial 10-year, $900 million contract awarded by the Air Force in 2020.
Despite the current layoffs, local representatives maintain that the Greenville facility plays an essential role in the defense industry and the national security framework of South Carolina. Lawmakers cite the facility’s importance, noting the ongoing demand for military aircraft maintenance and the growth potential that yet exists.
Future Outlook and Commitment
According to local representatives, there is a backlog of over 100 next-generation F-16s that have been requested by U.S. allies, which suggests that the potential for future operations at the site is still promising. Lockheed Martin has reiterated its commitment to the region, emphasizing that the Greenville site will continue to be a key player in responding to global demands for defense innovation and job creation across the industry.
Though the recent layoffs may present immediate challenges for affected employees and their families, the long-term outlook for the Greenville facility remains hopeful, positioning itself for future growth and adaptation to the evolving needs of the defense sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Lockheed Martin
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Lockheed Martin layoffs
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Defense industry
- WSPA Spartanburg
- Google News: Lockheed Martin Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
