More Than Manufacturing: Investing in Courtland

At Lockheed Martin, every mission starts with people. That's why we not only develop and deliver critical capabilities for our customers, but we also focus on how our work can create opportunities for our employees, strengthen local economies and build more resilient communities.

We recently opened the MAB-5 building in Courtland, Alabama, which will house our Next Generation Interceptor program. This facility is part of the $9 billion investment we're making in our facilities between now and 2030, which will expand capacity, modernize manufacturing and ensure we're ready to meet the accelerating demand for our critical capabilities.

Workforce Investments

But facilities are only part of the equation. We're also investing in the people who power those missions. Through workforce development, skills training and career pathways, we're helping equip our workforce with the expertise needed to meet the missions of tomorrow.

And our commitment doesn't end on the factory floor or at the facility gates.

Courtland Public Safety Director Scott Norwood has overseen the evolution of the town's fire service from a volunteer program to a 24-hour professional fire department.

Over 4,000 employees call Alabama home, contributing their skills and expertise across the state. As our presence in Alabama grows, so does our commitment to developing the workforce and creating opportunities for the communities around our facilities.

Community Investments

When we expanded our operations in Courtland, Alabama, the community's fire department relied on volunteers who, when an emergency call came in, had to leave work or wherever they were, travel to the fire station, retrieve the fire truck, and then head to the emergency, adding valuable minutes to response times when every minute counts.

For a community and a company where safety is paramount, we saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Saved Minutes Save Lives

Our contribution enabled the Courtland Fire Department's evolution from a volunteer organization to a full-time, career fire department, providing around-the-clock emergency response for the community with trained personnel and the modern firefighting equipment needed to respond to a wide range of potential emergencies.

The change improved overall safety and reduced average response times from approximately 18 to 20 minutes down to just 3 to 5 minutes, a critical difference in an emergency.

As Lockheed Martin continues to grow in Courtland, across North Alabama and beyond, we're committed to being a community partner, investing in our facilities and in the people and communities around them.

Because strengthening the mission means strengthening the communities that make it possible.