City Leaders Optimistic About Lockheed Acquiring Sikorsky
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In major business news, Lockheed Martin is buying Sikorsky Aircraft. This is not only big news in the aerospace and defense world, but also in Pike County.
The companies are two large employers in the Troy Area. Sikorsky employs about 650 people at the Pike County location and Lockheed Martin more than 300. Lockheed also announced they’d hire an additional 240 by 2020.
A spokesman for Lockheed Martin said it’s too early to know what the local impact of the merger will be.
But, Troy city leaders are optimistic and hoping for the best. Jason Reeves, Troy Mayor said,
“If Sikorsky was going to be bought, Lockheed buying them is the best case scenario. Because they are not being bought by another helicopter company and Lockheed doesn’t make helicopters so there’s probably some technology and things that they can share down the road I think. And I think the best thing about it is, Lockheed is certainly very familiar with the workforce in Pike County. They are award winning for Lockheed and work very hard for them, so they know what they are getting from this work force.”
Lockheed officials say once the deal is closed they will review all operations to find ways to improve efficiency and affordability. We reached out to Sikorsky, but have yet to hear back.
