As the Cold War was beginning in the 1950’s, Lockheed (Martin was not involved yet) hit upon what would become the backbone of the U.S. Air Force for the next seven decades, with no end in sight. The C-130 was developed in Burbank, California but real production began in at the Lockheed plant in Marietta, Georgia (fun fact: the eponymous Martin was known as Martin-Marietta before its merger with Lockheed but the Marietta in question was a paint company from Marietta, Ohio). This week, Lockheed is celebrating it 75th anniversary of operations in Marietta. While the C-130 was a couple years behind, that production line holds the world record for the longest continuously running military aircraft production line in history, with more than 2,700 built since 1955 and delivered worldwide for not only military needs but also rescue or relief operations, and even wildfire fighting through the Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS).
“For 75 years, Lockheed Martin has helped strengthen our nation’s security and Georgia’s economy, and today’s announcement of 1,200 new Marietta-based jobs is another milestone in that enduring partnership,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “These new jobs are creating meaningful careers for hardworking Georgians while supporting production of world-class aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules and F-35 Lightning II, equipping America’s service members and our allies with next-generation capabilities. On behalf of the State of Georgia, congratulations to Lockheed Martin and all of its employees on this milestone, and we look forward to their continued success here in the Peach State.”
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