Lockheed Martin to cut 4,000 jobs as U.S. defense spending falls

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. announced Thursday it will cut 4,000 jobs and shutter plants in several states to reduce costs as U.S. defense spending slides, according to a Reuters report.

The Bethesda, Maryland, weapons maker will close the affected facilities by mid-2015 to achieve job cuts that amount to more than 3 percent of its global workforce.

Locally, Lockheed Martin is exiting its space in Jordan Valley Innovation Center on or before Nov. 30. Jim Baker, Missouri State University vice president for research, economic development and international programs, has said the Bethesda, Md.-based company is leaving Springfield as it consolidates operations.

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