News Summary
Lockheed Martin has announced it will lay off 10% of its workforce at the Greenville facility, impacting around 180 jobs. This decision is driven by the U.S. Air Force’s non-renewal of a significant F-16 maintenance contract set to end in 2025. The layoffs aim to meet affordability demands and maintain competitiveness. The Greenville site is vital for F-16 production and sustains a considerable economic footprint in the region, supporting nearly 200 suppliers. Local officials express their commitment to the facility despite the layoffs, highlighting future opportunities.
Greenville, South Carolina – Lockheed Martin announced on June 20 that it will lay off 10% of its workforce at the Greenville facility, affecting approximately 180 jobs. This decision comes in response to the U.S. Air Force’s recent choice not to renew a $900 million F-16 maintenance contract that is set to close in April 2025.
According to the company, the layoffs are necessary to align with customer affordability demands in an increasingly competitive market. Lockheed Martin has pledged to provide affected employees with outplacement services and career counseling, aiming to support their transition to new job opportunities.
The Greenville facility is a crucial hub for the production and sustainment of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Its operations encompass final assembly, modifications, maintenance, and repair services. The site also supports various military and civilian aircraft through an array of sustainment initiatives.
Impact on Local Workforce and Economy
The anticipated layoffs at the Greenville site may significantly impact the local workforce, a situation that is likely to reverberate through the community. Lockheed Martin’s presence in South Carolina has a considerable economic footprint, contributing over $1.3 billion annually and supporting nearly 200 suppliers across the state. This economic activity underscores the importance of the facility not only to the company but also to the broader South Carolina economy.
Details of the F-16 Contract
The F-16 is a versatile multirole jet fighter, celebrated for its maneuverability and weapon systems that are specially designed for interception and attack scenarios. The single-seat model, the F-16A, and the two-seat F-16B, typically used for training pilots, are both integral to the United States Air Force and allied nations.
Support from Local Officials
Local officials, including Congressman Williams Timmons, have expressed support for the Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville, emphasizing its pivotal role in both South Carolina’s defense industry and national security. Timmons has pointed out the long-term positive outlook for the facility due to a robust backlog of over 100 next-generation F-16s that are set for delivery to U.S. allies, along with an ongoing strong demand globally for these aircraft.
Commitment to the Greenville Region
In light of the layoffs, Lockheed Martin has reaffirmed its commitment to the Greenville region. The facility was a recipient of a landmark 10-year contract initiated in 2020, marking it as the first U.S.-based depot for F-16 maintenance. The decision to proceed with workforce reductions was made following a meticulous evaluation of the company’s operational needs.
Lockheed Martin has emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making in relation to their workforce, indicating that such measures are always taken after careful consideration of various economic factors. While the layoffs represent a challenging transition for many employees, the company’s ongoing investments and commitments suggest that the Greenville facility will continue to play a vital role in the aerospace industry moving forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lockheed Martin Announces Layoffs for Greenville Employees
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
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lockheed Martin
- Google Search: Lockheed Martin layoffs
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.
