Governor Scott today announced Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, will be expanding in Orlando and creating 500 new jobs. The average wage of the 500 new jobs will be $87,064. The company will also invest more than $50 million in their Orlando facility. Lockheed Martin currently employs over 14,000 Floridians at 73 locations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce Lockheed Martin is continuing to invest in Florida by creating 500 new jobs as part of their expansion in Orlando. Lockheed Martin is already a major job creator for our state, and our commitment to cutting taxes and making Florida business-friendly is making it easier for this global business to continue to create thousands of opportunities for Florida families.”
Lockheed Martin employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced, technology systems, products and services.
Frank St. John, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control executive vice president, said, “With this expansion, Lockheed Martin is further solidifying its already robust presence in Florida and supporting our business growth. The Research & Development II building underscores our customer commitments to provide the most modern facilities for our talented workforce to produce critical capabilities for the U.S. and allies for years to come.”
Peter Antonacci, CEO of EFI, said, “Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in Florida sends a strong message to aerospace and aviation business leaders that Florida is the most business-friendly state in the United States for aerospace and aviation companies.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Lockheed Martin is globally recognized and attracts a diverse group of talent to our state. This expansion is an outstanding contribution to our state’s thriving economy and is a significant win for the families in the Orlando area.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “More than 60 years ago, Lockheed Martin opened its first location in Central Florida, planting the roots that have transformed Orlando into the innovative city it is today and solidifying Central Florida as the world’s epicenter for modeling, simulation and training. We welcome the company’s continued investment in Orlando which is an example of our success in creating long-term partnerships that bring high quality jobs to residents, and is a testament to our dynamic business environment and our high quality of life.”
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said, “I’m delighted to join in today’s groundbreaking ceremony. Already we’re a global leader in the modeling, simulation and training industries, and as the world’s number one defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is a huge part of that success. Today’s announcement tells the world that we have a skilled workforce and an economic climate in which high-tech manufacturing and development can succeed. And it tells our local community that we’re building an economy with depth, diversification, and opportunity.”
Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, said, “Lockheed Martin has been an important part of Orlando’s economic growth for more than 50 years not only because of the company’s innovations in technology but because of its commitment to supporting our community’s STEM education initiatives. The Partnership is honored that Lockheed has chosen to expand in Orlando. Our region’s high-tech industry, strong engineering programs and talent pipeline highlight why this remains the ideal location for Lockheed’s continued success.”
