360 Are Expected to Lose Their Jobs

The Philadelphia suburb of Coatesville is preparing for the closure of its Lockheed Martin Sikorsky helicopter plant, following a near shutdown of the Sadsbury Township location in 2019.

The facility was kept busy at the time by pressure from Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan to keep workflow going, in part by finishing the Marine One helicopters that carry the president.

Lockheed Martin is a major military contractor and in the area, has facilities in King of Prussia, Johnstown PA, and Moorestown NJ, which are all within a relatively short drive of each other. Of the 360 people expected to lose their jobs, 160 of them will be given the opportunity to relocate or work remotely.

“After spending the last two years working with Lockheed Martin, White House officials in two administrations, and state and local partners to find ways to enable the plant to continue operating, I am frustrated and disappointed that we find ourselves here,” Houlahan, whose district includes the Sikorsky plant, said in a statement disclosing the planned closing.

A Lockheed Martin spokesman confirmed the decision in a statement, saying the company, “has made a final decision to exit its Coatesville facility and consolidate the work in other Lockheed Martin locations due to a downturn in the commercial helicopter sector.”

Philadelphia is a historic center in the helicopter production sector, also home to a Boeing military helicopter plant in Ridley Park.

The area is planning a manufacturing and trades job fair for Wednesday, and the area’s Chamber of Business and Industry has pledged to help the employees find work if they wish to continue employment in the county.

FWI: www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/sikorsky.html