Two-Year Reprieve Proves Unsuccessful; Sikorsky Plant in Coatesville to Close, Taking 240 Jobs with It

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Lockheed Martin Sikorsky helicopter Coatesville
Image via the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Lockheed Martin has ultimately decided to close its Sikorsky plant in Coatesville.

Despite continuous efforts by officials to keep it running, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky helicopter plant in Coatesville will close in March, write Jonathan Tamari and Joseph DiStefano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

As a result, 240 people will lose their jobs. The company will offer another 120 workers the chance to relocate or work remotely.

Lockheed Martin originally announced the closing of the plant in 2019. But advocates — including then-President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan — supported its continuance, in part by producing Marine One helicopters there.

The reprieve, however, is now over: The company has made the final decision to shutter the plant.

Lockheed Martin aims to ensure training and reemployment opportunities for all employees, a spokesperson said.

“This is a significant loss for the region,” said Gary Smith, who heads the Chester County Economic Development Council.

However, he noted the current shortage of skilled manufacturing workers, such those Sikorsky employed. Further, he cited a shortage of industrial workplaces in the area. Both these factors could bode well for the local workforce and the area’s commercial real estate outlook.

Read more about the closing in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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