If Lockheed beats out Boeing Co., at least 100,000 sf of new industrial space here could be in the works, area industrial brokers familiar with defense contractors' facilities tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity. Lockheed declines to estimate how many jobs would be created.

Lockheed's west Orlando division already is working on the jets' navigation and weapons-firing system, according to the company's previous announcements. Lockheed's information-systems unit in east Orlando is designing flight and maintenance training simulators for the jets.

More plant space would be needed if Lockheed wins the entire contract or even a fair share of the work, area industrial brokers tell GlobeSt.com. At least another total 50,000 sf would be required by about two dozen Lockheed subcontractors and suppliers throughout the state for similar expansions, brokers estimate.

Lockheed, of Bethesda, MD and Boeing of Chicago are the only fighter-jet manufacturers in the United States. Industry analysts expect Washington to split the contract 60-40.

The initial order from the United States and Great Britain is for 3,000 planes at $40 million apiece. Orders from other countries could raise the production total to $300 billion, industry analysts project.

Besides Lockheed's Orlando sector, the other big winner will be Harris Corp. of Melbourne, FL on the Spacecoast, 60 miles south of Downtown Orlando. The national electronics and communications company will also require additional plant space, brokers tell GlobeSt.com, because Lockheed and Boeing both selected Harris to provide avionics systems for their concepts of the jet fighter.

Harris anticipates sales of $1 billion over 15 years from the jet-fighter work. The may need at least 200 additional technicians. Boeing's jet-fighter manufacturing plant is in St. Louis. Lockheed's main manufacturing facility is in Texas where 11,000 workers are employed.

Boeing estimates the contract would generate a total 8,000 new jobs at its St. Louis and Seattle plants. Boeing also has a small Orlando division that develops military training technology.

Instant Insights /

GlobeSt.com SPECIAL: New Plant Expansions Hinge on Pentagon's $200 Bil Order

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