Tue, Feb 28, 2012
Additional Jobs Expected For Canopy Production
Lockheed Martin's operation in Pinellas Park, FL, officially
opened a new 57,000 square foot manufacturing facility today to
produce aircraft canopy components for the F-35 Lighting II
fighter. The new facility is an annex to Lockheed Martin's existing
197,000 square foot building that has been producing structural
components for more than 10 different types of aircraft since 1997.
The operation began with 80 employees and has since grown to its
current workforce of 250, with additional jobs expected as the F-35
program moves toward peak production. The expanded facility can
support production of up to 20 F-35 canopy units a month.
File Photo
"The Lockheed Martin Pinellas facility has distinguished itself
with its quality, safety and efficiency and has become a center of
excellence for the manufacturing of F-35 canopies," said Harry
Glenn, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Bill Young, chair of the House
Appropriations subcommittee on defense
Aircraft canopy components include the "windshield" of the
aircraft – a clear plastic bubble – and the frame,
ejection pyrotechnics and other structures that support it.
Core competencies at the Pinellas facility include sheet metal
and extrusion fabrication and structural subassembly. To date the
facility has produced components for the C-130J, F-22, F-16, C-5
and P-3, in addition to the F-35. Besides supporting Lockheed
Martin aircraft programs, the facility does work for several other
companies.
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