GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES LOCKHEED MARTIN EXPANSION IN ORLANDO

Consolidation of corporation-wide facilities will bring up to 200 jobs and a capital investment of approximately $80 million

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the expansion of Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training facility in Orlando will bring up to 200 jobs and a capital investment of approximately $80 million to the area. The company currently employs nearly 7,000 in Orlando and is expanding the location due to a corporation-wide consolidation.

Governor Scott said, “This expansion of Lockheed Martin is great news for Florida families in Orlando. Florida has proven to be the perfect business climate for companies like Lockheed Martin. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created more than 503,500 private-sector jobs. Let’s keep working to create an opportunity economy that will create jobs for future generations.”

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The company is the largest industrial employer in Florida, with a workforce of nearly 11,000 employees across the state.

Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business provides surface, air and undersea applications on more than 460 programs for U.S. military and international customers. The new positions in Orlando will focus on training and logistics advancements supporting the F-35, F-16 and F-15 aircraft programs.

Florida is already home to more than 2,000 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 87,000 workers across the state. Ranked number 2 among states in aviation, aerospace, and space establishments, Florida remains the undisputed air traffic hub of the Americas.

President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training facility in Orlando will add great value to Florida’s extensive aviation and aerospace sector. Lockheed Martin is a world leader in the industry and has created thousands of employment opportunities and millions in economic impact in the state for more than 58 years. They are a great community partner and we look forward to seeing their continued legacy of success in the Sunshine State.”

This project was made possible due to close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, Orange County, the Orlando Economic Development Commission, CareerSource Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“Lockheed Martin’s new investment in Orange County adds to our impressive modeling, simulation and training cluster, which is already the largest in the world.  The impact of this industry on our local economy and the entire state is tremendous, and the reason we’re so focused on protecting these assets from potentially large budget cuts at the federal level,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “We’re so proud that the strength of our MS&T sector, our superbly qualified workforce, and the $4 billion in procurement contracts that originate from our military commands propelled Lockheed Martin’s decision to relocate to Central Florida.”

“As one of Orlando’s largest employers, Lockheed Martin has put our region on the map as an international leader in aviation, aerospace and defense. We’re pleased to have Lockheed grow its Orlando presence not only because of its economic impact but also the difference that Lockheed’s employees make in our community through their dedication to furthering STEM education and preparing the workforce of the future,” said Rick Weddle, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Development Commission.

“CareerSource Florida and our workforce and economic development partners work hard to support the growth of Florida’s target industries, including aviation/aerospace, which provide high-skill, high-wage jobs for Florida’s families,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Chris Hart IV. “Lockheed Martin’s expansion here underscores the value of our focus on meeting the needs of business to ensure prosperity for families and communities as well as employers.” 

“Lockheed Martin’s decision to expand its presence in Florida and create additional jobs is excellent news for our state. Florida’s aerospace and aviation industries move our economy forward and create high-skill, high-wage jobs for our citizens. Lockheed Martin’s global brand recognition in the aerospace industry will further promote Florida as a destination for high-tech industries and opportunities,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. 

***

Lockheed Martin is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. The company is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.

###