While visiting Lockheed Martin-owned company Derco in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US President Donald Trump has announced more sustainment work for the company for the F-35 Lightning II program.
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Derco will provide parts warehousing and distribution sustainment for the F-35, supporting the US Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and allies around the world.
"From here in Milwaukee, you are supporting magnificent aircraft, and soon you'll support the unstoppable, stealth F-35 Lightning II," said President Trump.
"I am thrilled to be back in the great state of Wisconsin with the extraordinary men and women of Derco. We are here today to celebrate the triumphant return of American manufacturing, and everything we are doing to keep the assembly lines rolling."
Derco has announced it will be growing its workforce by 15% by the end of 2019, as the company supports the management and delivery of 1,500 different F-35s around the world.
The increased work will create more skilled jobs for repair technicians, operations personnel and supply chain management experts.
To support the growing business, Derco is investing in its facility and is breaking ground to expand the campus. Derco is also looking to add to its 1,200 suppliers to develop repair capabilities for the F-35 in Milwaukee. Currently, the F-35 provides $1.2 million in economic impact across the supply chain in Wisconsin.