Lockheed Martin announced today it shut down its plant in Akron by 2015, affecting at least 500 workers. The company placed blame for the decision on federal spending cuts.
The company is shutting down operations in several other cities, and plans to cut workforce nationwide by 4,000 employees.
In a phone call with ideastream, company spokesman Keith Little said Lockheed Martin hadn't yet decided whether any of the 600 employees at the Akron plant will be laid off.
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson explained the decision in a statement posted on the company's website.
“Reducing our workforce of dedicated employees and closing facilities are among the most difficult decisions we make,” the statement reads. “In the face of government budget cuts and an increasingly complex global security landscape, these actions are necessary for the future of our business and will position Lockheed Martin to better serve our customers.”
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, who says he lobbied Ohio's elected representatives in Washington to fight closure when word leaked last month, is expected to respond to the news later today.
Last week, some Democratic members of Congress sent a letter urging Lockheed Martin to keep its Akron plant open.
Story by ideastream's Nick Castele.
