Greenville’s Aerospace Boom: Lockheed Martin’s Impact Revealed!
Greetings from the bustling city of Greenville! The air here is buzzing with excitement, especially after a recent holiday social hosted by the Greenville Area Development Corp. (GADC) where investors received some thrilling news about the aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into what’s been happening!
Decades of Dedication
For over 40 years, Lockheed Martin has made its home in Greenville. It originally started out with a modest footprint, focusing primarily on maintenance. Fast forward to just seven years ago when a significant game-changer occurred—the company announced its decision to shift F-16 fighter jet production from Texas right here to Greenville, South Carolina. This bold move has opened up a world of opportunities for the region!
Growth That Can’t Be Ignored
During the event, Ben Peat, the director of operations at Lockheed Martin, painted a vivid picture of how the company has transformed over the years. When Lockheed first set up shop, they employed a mere 20 individuals. Today, that number has skyrocketed to around 2,000 employees! Can you believe it? More impressively, about 1,000 of these positions were added in the last two to three years alone!
Supporting Our Defense
So what’s fueling this boom, you might ask? Lockheed Martin holds a substantial ongoing order from the U.S. Department of Defense focused on manufacturing the F-16 fighter jets, mainly for international allies. This operation not only bolsters our national defense but also drives local economic growth. Talk about a win-win!
Training the Next Generation
As the demand for skilled workers rises, Lockheed has been proactive in addressing staffing needs. They’ve teamed up with local partners like Ready SC and Greenville Technical College to create a fantastic pre-apprenticeship program. This initiative is especially tailored for recent high school graduates, running them through a comprehensive six-week training course on assembling the Block 70 F-16—the latest and greatest version of this iconic jet!
According to Peat, so far, about 50 eager employees have successfully completed this program, ready to step into their new roles and contribute to the production efforts. It’s such a positive initiative that not only fills job openings but also empowers local youth to start exciting careers in aviation and aerospace.
A Business-Friendly Environment
During his talk, Peat’s enthusiasm was contagious. “We’re ecstatic to be able to do this work here,” he said, sharing his love for both the city and the opportunities it provides. “I knew I wanted to live in Greenville, and I love living in Greenville, but what I didn’t know when I moved here is how easy it is to do business and how business-friendly it is here.”
Looking Forward
As we move forward, the impact of Lockheed Martin’s presence in Greenville is only set to grow. With an expanding workforce and active training initiatives, the local economy will continue to flourish, paving the way for more innovations in the aerospace field.
So, there you have it, folks! Lockheed Martin is not just an anchor in Greenville’s economy but is also shaping the future for many aspiring workers. As we continue to hear updates about this exciting journey, let’s all keep an eye on the skies—or should we say, the F-16s flying overhead?
