Pinellas Park to get more jobs as Lockheed Martin expands its F-35 canopy production center

PINELLAS PARK - The F-35 Lightning, a Joint Strike Fighter jet, will have a big role in future years in helping to keep our country safe.  It will also play a role in helping to keep our local economy strong.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Lockheed Martin announced an expansion of their Pinellas Park facility to accommodate increased production of the canopies for the F-35's; sort of windshield bubble for pilots of the $150 million aircraft.  

"As we stand here today, the space does look a little empty.  But it will one day be filled with F-35 canopies," said Steve Cobb, General Manager of Lockheed Martin Pinellas.

With around 250 employees, the company is already manufacturing the F-35 canopies at the facility, as well as other parts for military aircraft, such as the canopy for the F-16.  The good news is that with the increased production and expansion, will come increased jobs.

"They'll come along slowly over the next several years.  But we're going to add 100 jobs to this community for this F-35 canopy production center," Cobb explained.

With the economy still facing a sluggish rebound, the expansion announcement is good news for local officials.

"I'm just so thrilled to see this happen.  Not just for the city, but for the surrounding area of Tampa Bay, we really need this type of industry here," said Pinellas Park Mayor Bill Mischler.

Lockheed Martin officials plan on moving the F-35 canopy production into the new building sometime this spring.  With the hopes of adding jobs later this year.