News Summary
Lockheed Martin has revealed plans to lay off approximately 180 employees at its Greenville, South Carolina facility, which accounts for about 10% of its workforce. This action follows the termination of a $900 million contract with the U.S. Air Force. The layoffs are part of the company’s efforts to align its staffing levels with current market demands. Despite this setback, Lockheed Martin aims to continue F-16 production for international markets and is committed to supporting affected employees with outplacement services.
Greenville, SC – Lockheed Martin Announces 180 Layoffs Following Air Force Contract Termination
Lockheed Martin has announced that it will lay off up to 180 employees at its Greenville, South Carolina facility, representing approximately 10% of the workforce. This decision comes after the U.S. Air Force opted not to extend a significant $900 million contract originally aimed at the maintenance and upgrades of F-16 aircraft.
The contract, which was awarded in 2020, was slated to last for ten years and was intended to facilitate the maintenance of 15 F-16s annually at the Greenville site. The termination of this contract has prompted Lockheed Martin to adjust its staffing levels to better align with current market demands and customer expectations for affordability in a competitive landscape.
Impact of the Layoffs
The affected employees are part of a facility that has been operational for over 40 years, having transitioned into the former Donaldson Air Force Base in 1984. As of August 2024, the Greenville site employed over 1,800 individuals. In response to the layoffs, Lockheed Martin has expressed its commitment to providing those affected with outplacement services and career counseling.
Future Production Plans
Despite the loss of the Air Force contract, Lockheed Martin plans to continue producing F-16s for international markets. The company reported a backlog of 117 F-16 aircraft to be produced as of February 2025, with demand from several countries including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, Slovakia, and Taiwan.
Furthermore, Lockheed Martin has concentrated on other aircraft models since 2019, transferring its F-16 manufacturing line to the Greenville facility while fulfilling existing orders. In the most recent financial year, the Greenville site reported the production of 16 F-16 aircraft.
Additional Operations at Greenville Facility
The Greenville facility is also responsible for maintenance and upgrades of a wide array of other military aircraft, including the C-130, P-3, KC-10, and C-9. This diversification in operations helps to mitigate some of the impacts associated with the F-16 contract ending.
Local Economic Perspective
Local officials, including U.S. Representative William Timmons, have responded to the news by acknowledging the importance of the Greenville facility to South Carolina’s defense industry. Timmons stated that the site is a cornerstone of the local economy and emphasized a strong long-term outlook for operations in the region.
As Lockheed Martin navigates the transitions stemming from the contract termination, the company remains focused on ensuring it meets customer needs while exploring new opportunities for growth and stability at its Greenville facility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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.
