Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., a division of global security firm Lockheed Martin Corp., said on August 17 it would cut about 800 jobs by year-end to improve its competitiveness.
The company said the payroll deductions represent about 4.5% of the overall workforce and are "aimed at improving its competitive posture." The company will offer a voluntary layoff plan aimed at minimizing layoffs at the division's facilities, primarily in Denver, Colo., and Sunnyvale, Calif.
"The action we are taking, though difficult, is necessary to adapt to our current projected business base and to maintain an appropriate workforce to meet our customers needs," said Joanne Maguire, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems.
The company underscored that the job cuts announced were separate from a downsizing underway as a result of the planned phase-out of the Space Shuttle program in 2010.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems designs and develops, tests, manufactures and operates advanced-technology systems for national security and military, civil government and commercial customers.
Parent company Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, Md. employs about 146,000 people worldwide.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009
