LMT-Meridian celebrates 50 years

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Lockheed Martin (LMT) employees and local Meridian community leaders marked the 50th anniversary of the corporation's subassembly plant Aug. 29. LMT’s Meridian facility began production operations in August 1969, initially producing the L-1011 jet airliner's empennage. Since then, the facility has been involved in the production of aircraft components for JetStar, C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, P-3 Orion submarine hunter, F-22 Raptor fighter jet, and the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. "While these iconic aircraft have made history around the world, we are proud to say their roots are in Meridian, Mississippi," said Mike Sarpu, VP/GM of Operations at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We have relied on the skills and craftmanship of the Meridian team for 50 years - and for many more to come.” There are 150 employees that work in the 110,000 square-foot building that makes 50 percent of the C-130J's fuselage. More than 430 C-130Js have been delivered to date. Final assembly takes place at Lockheed Martin's site in Marietta, Ga. (Source: Lockheed Martin 08/29/19) https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martins-meridian-miss-facility-celebrates-50th-anniversary-300909368.html