News Summary
Lockheed Martin has confirmed plans to lay off up to 180 employees at its Greenville facility, representing 10% of its workforce. This decision follows the U.S. Air Force’s recent cancellation of a major contract for F-16 maintenance and upgrades. Despite these layoffs, Lockheed Martin remains committed to the Greenville area and will continue producing F-16s for international clients. The company aims to assist affected employees through outplacement services while navigating challenges in a competitive environment.
Greenville, South Carolina – Lockheed Martin to Lay Off 180 Employees
Lockheed Martin has announced plans to lay off up to 180 employees at its Greenville facility, accounting for 10% of its workforce. This decision follows the United States Air Force’s recent decision not to extend a $900 million contract, which encompassed maintenance and upgrades for the F-16 fleet.
The contract, initially announced in 2020, was intended to span 10 years and aimed to maintain 15 “Fighting Falcons” at the Greenville site annually. The termination of this contract will have significant implications for the local workforce, as the layoffs will affect a considerable number of employees.
Lockheed Martin cited the need to align with customer demands for affordability in an increasingly competitive environment as the primary reason behind the layoffs. The company stated its commitment to assisting affected employees through outplacement services and career counseling.
Background on Lockheed Martin’s Operations in Greenville
Lockheed Martin has had a presence in Greenville for over 40 years, having relocated to the former Donaldson Air Force Base in 1984. As of August, the Greenville facility employed more than 1,800 people. Despite the termination of the Air Force contract, Lockheed will continue to manufacture F-16s for international clients, with a existing backlog of 117 aircraft.
The company sells F-16s to various countries, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan. The production of the F-16 line was moved to Greenville after the company decided to scale back its F-16 production in 2019 to focus on other aircraft models.
In addition to F-16s, the Greenville facility is also responsible for the maintenance and upgrades of several other aircraft models, including the C-130, P-3, KC-10, and C-9. This diversification plays a role in the overall productivity and sustainability of the site.
Political Reactions and Future Outlook
In response to the layoffs, Congressman Williams Timmons expressed concerns regarding the facility’s significance to South Carolina’s defense industry and national security. He assured that the long-term outlook for the Greenville site remains promising, particularly due to the anticipated demand for next-generation F-16 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has reiterated its commitment to the Greenville area, emphasizing its dedication to supporting defense innovation and contributing to job creation. The company aims to navigate the current landscape while maintaining its operational capabilities and ensuring a robust future for the facility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lockheed Martin Announces 180 Layoffs in Greenville, SC
Lockheed Martin Layoffs Impact 180 Workers in Greenville, SC
Lockheed Martin Reduces Workforce at Greenville Facility
Lockheed Martin Implements Layoffs at Greenville Facility
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Lockheed Martin
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google Search: Lockheed Martin layoffs Greenville
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Lockheed Martin Greenville layoffs
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Defense Industry
- WYFF4
- Google News: Lockheed Martin layoffs Greenville
