After President and CEO Marillyn Hewson's announcement about the Sikorsky helicopter plant in Coatesville, Trump tweeted, "We are very proud of Pennsylvania and the people who work there. Thank you to Lockheed Martin, one of the USA's truly great companies!"
In early June, when Lockheed Martin said the plant would shut down because of a slump, there wasn't enough work, and the 465 employees would either lose their jobs or be relocated. The president intervened. There was also communication between the company and local officials, including Democratic Congresswoman Chrissy Houlihan, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey.
All expressed relief, but Casey tweeted, "I am concerned that the announcement lacks a specific plan to bring new work to the Coatesville facility that would keep the plant open beyond the next several months." This facility is one of several Sikorsy plants in the country that produces Marine One presidential helicopters, and the company says it wants to collaborate with lawmakers to bring in new work.
The Chester County Commissioners, in a statement, said the facility would stay open, "until at least 2020," and the task force that was put together will work to keep the plant in the county and keep all 465 employees on the job.