Lockheed ramps up COVID-19 response aid efforts

Lockheed Martin is increasing the support and resources it is providing to aid in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic on top of what was already committed one week ago.

Lockheed Martin will provide additional support and resources to help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic on top of the aid already committed nearly one week ago.

In a statement Friday, Lockheed Chairman and CEO Marillyn Hewson said the company will double funding for small- and medium-sized business partners in the supply chain to $106 million from the $53 million previously announced.

Employees who are regularly required to work at or travel to a designated Lockheed facility or customer site will be paid up to $500 in individual awards.

Lockheed will donate $2 million in personal protective equipment to first responders and health care workers and has begun limited PPE and medical device production including that of face shields. On top of recent PPE donations to local hospitals, the company is also providing engineering support for certain initiatives to speed up production of that key equipment.

“As we all deal with the challenges of the health crisis, we will continue to perform and deliver critical products and capabilities for the United States and our allies, support job creation and help those in need wherever we operate,” Hewson said.

Hiring has not slowed down at the world’s largest defense company, which has added nearly 1,000 personnel within the last two weeks and 5,000 open positions being advertised.