Lockheed Martin to expand Camden facility with $142 million investment, 326 new hires
by June 17, 2019 8:29 am 2,157 views
Artist’s rendering of the expansion to Lockheed Martin’s Ground Vehicle Assembly Building in Camden, Arkansas.
Lockheed Martin announced a $142 million expansion investment in its Camden, Ark. facilities that will add another 326 new workers to the complex. Currently, Lockheed Martin employs around 700 workers in Camden.
The announcement was made in conjunction with Gov. Asa Hutchinson at the Paris Air Show – a worldwide trade show for the aerospace and defense industry.
“Lockheed Martin is a leading technology firm with facilities and clients around the world,” said Hutchinson. “Lockheed’s investment illustrates the fact that Arkansas continues to be a global player in the aero-defense industry.”
The expansion will support new construction and improve existing facilities for products like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Army Tactical Missile System (ATacMS), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and others, plus new machinery and equipment. Previously the facility was dedicated to High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) production only.
“Our facility in Camden is a highly efficient, high quality center of excellence that contributes components and performs final assembly for products that are important to the defense of the United States and a growing number of allied nations,” Frank St. John, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.
“The facility has a long record of precision manufacturing and on-time deliveries, which is the reason we continue to invest in and expand our Camden Operations. This expansion will help ensure the availability, affordability and quality of systems we build for our customers around the world,” he added.
According to state economic officials, the private aerospace and defense industry employs about 10,000 Arkansans and was the state’s largest export in 2018, totaling $1.8 billion. The state is home to nearly 180 companies in the industry.
“The high-paying jobs Lockheed Martin provides in the Camden area improve the quality of life for our communities and the state as a whole and we’re thankful for their partnership in the Golden Triangle.” said James Lee Silliman, Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development executive director.
“I can’t say enough good things about the contributions Lockheed Martin makes in aerospace and missile defense around the world along with our local economy. We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship,” Calhoun County Judge Floyd Nutt said.