Lockheed cutting workforce

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- More than 500 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics division workers in three U.S. states are losing their jobs as the company tries to improve operational efficiency.

The company said the greatest effects are at sites in Fort Worth, Texas; Marietta, Ga.; and Palmdale, Calif. About 540 employees will be affected by the end of the year.

"These reductions are part of Aeronautics' plan to realign the organization, enabling us to meet the requirements of our customers," said Ralph D. Heath, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"While this is a difficult decision, we're committed to conducting this process in a fair and responsible manner that treats affected individuals with respect and that does not disrupt the important business we do for our military service customers."

Lockheed announced in June a target reduction of approximately 1,500 positions by year-end. In August, it offered eligible salaried employees an opportunity for a voluntary layoff to minimize the number of involuntary layoffs. More than 450 employees applied for and were approved for voluntary layoff.

Lockheed also achieved reductions by eliminating about 300 open positions.

"Earlier this year, we announced approximately 300 positions in our Sustainment Services organization would be eliminated -- those layoffs are included in our target reduction of 1,500 positions," it said.