Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is doubling the money it is advancing to businesses in its supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson said in an April 3 announcement. Lockheed Martin announced in late March that it would advance $53 million to its supply chain, and the Friday announcement brings the total to more than $106 million. 

In addition, Hewson said in the announcement that the company is “committed to continue hiring during this crisis” and has added nearly 1,000 new employees over the past two weeks and has about 5,000 open positions. Lockheed Martin is also giving employees who are regularly required to work at, or travel to, a Lockheed Martin facility or customer site during the crisis, an award of up to $500. 

Lockheed Martin’s Director of Global Media Relations told Via Satellite the company is reviewing new roles to see if telework is an option, and in cases that on-site work continues, the company has established minimum staffing and social distancing policies following current federal guidance. 

Also, Lockheed Martin plans to donate $2 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) items and has begun producing face shields, in addition to providing engineering support for initiatives that accelerate the production of PPE. 

“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 in the announcement.