More than 150 jobs axed at Bedfordshire defence firm in Ampthill

Lockheed Martin is reducing its workforce reduction by up to 158 employees at its Ampthill armoured vehicles business.

The announcement comes as a direct result of the Government Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper which declared the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme - a major programme for the site - would be terminated.

It will affect both direct and indirect employees at the Ampthill facility.

Work to support the AJAX armoured vehicle programme along with programmes in the classified special projects and mission support areas of the business remain unaffected.

Lee Fellows, vice president and general manager at Ampthill, said: “Despite the need for this workforce reduction, we remain a strong business, with a very talented, dedicated team.

"This exercise will ensure that we maintain competitiveness by delivering affordable products and services to customers while positioning for future growth opportunities that will benefit the facility in the longer term. We remain committed to supporting impacted employees and providing whatever assistance we can during this difficult time.”

Lockheed Martin’s Ampthill facility, part of its Missiles and Fire Control business, currently employs around 900 people.

Headquartered in London, Lockheed Martin UK has operated in the country for nearly 80 years. From postal sorting technology to helping build the UK’s first commercial spaceports, its innovations and partnerships help solve some of the UK’s most complex challenges, contributing to national defence, security and prosperity.