Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plans to eliminate about 1,500 positions at its facilities across the United States, UPI quoted the company as announcing. The reduction -- to be achieved through voluntary and involuntary layoffs -- is part of a plan to improve the affordability of company products and increase operational efficiency. "Bold and responsible action is necessary to meet customer expectations and reduce our costs," said Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Executive Vice President Ralph D. Heath. "We are realigning the organization to be more efficient and agile, and a reduction in force will enable us to meet the requirements of our changing business environment." Lockheed Martin currently has about 28,000 employees at its principal Aeronautics sites in Texas, Georgia and California and at six smaller locations in as many states. Reductions may occur across the enterprise, with the greatest impacts occurring at the larger sites. An organizational assessment will determine how to trim the organization with a target reduction of approximately 1,500 employees, the company said. Eligible salaried employees will be offered an opportunity for a voluntary layoff to minimize the number of involuntary layoffs. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is a world leader in the design, research and development, systems integration, production and sustainment of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Company products include the F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter, F-22 Raptor, F-16, C-130, C-5, P-3, U-2 aircraft and advanced development programs.
