The Tioga County Industrial Development Agency has unanimously approved a $51 million renovation and expansion project at Lockheed Martin's Owego facility, a major boost for the Southern Tier economy. The project will renovate and modernize approximately 70,000 square feet of building space while creating approximately 100 new full-time equivalent manufacturing jobs at the site, plus significant construction employment during the project period.
This major expansion represents a significant commitment to the Southern Tier and underscores the region's importance to critical national defense and aerospace missions. Lockheed Martin's Owego campus has been a cornerstone of the regional economy for decades, and this expansion demonstrates continued confidence in the facility and the skilled workforce available in Tioga County.
The renovation involves modernizing and updating building 080 of the Lockheed Martin Owego campus to support helicopter integration and supporting flight operations. The newly renovated facility will feature new machinery and equipment installation as part of the comprehensive modernization effort.
The project is structured in phases to maintain operational continuity. Some areas within the project space are expected to be ready for use by mid-2026, while the entire project is targeted for completion by the end of 2027. This phased approach allows Lockheed Martin to begin operations in portions of the facility while construction and installation continues in other areas.
According to Jeff Brown, spokesperson for Lockheed Martin, the expansion is critical to maintaining the company's competitive position and supporting national security priorities. "This PILOT enables us to remain competitive and support critical national security missions for decades to come," Brown stated. "We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Tioga County IDA and look forward to the opportunity to partner with them on this project."
The PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement, approved by the Tioga County IDA, provides tax incentives designed to facilitate the $51 million investment while maintaining economic benefits to the local community. The IDA completed a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis confirming the project's positive impact on the regional economy.
This expansion carries significant implications for the Southern Tier labor market and regional economic development:
The 100 new full-time equivalent manufacturing positions represent a substantial addition to high-wage, skilled employment in Tioga County. These manufacturing roles typically offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, and require skilled technical expertise in aerospace and defense manufacturing. In addition to permanent employment, the construction phase of the project will create temporary construction jobs, further boosting local employment during the 2025-2027 construction period.
Major manufacturing expansions of this scale typically generate significant demand for local services, materials, and specialized contractors. The Lockheed Martin project will likely stimulate activity among regional engineering firms, construction companies, equipment suppliers, and facility maintenance providers. This multiplier effect can strengthen the broader regional economy beyond the direct employment at the facility.
To successfully staffing the 100 new positions, regional educational institutions and workforce development programs have opportunities to partner with Lockheed Martin in training and credentialing workers for advanced manufacturing roles. This project reinforces the importance of STEM education and skilled trades training in the Southern Tier economy.
The Lockheed Martin expansion signals confidence in the Southern Tier as a location for advanced manufacturing and aerospace work. The region's proximity to transportation infrastructure, availability of skilled workers, and established aerospace/defense supply chains have attracted and retained this major employer for decades.
The project also demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships between government agencies like the Tioga County IDA and private sector employers. The PILOT agreement balances tax incentives with economic benefits, creating a framework for continued investment in regional manufacturing.
The expansion presents significant opportunities for local and regional construction firms, engineering consultants, and specialized contractors. The renovation of 70,000 square feet in a complex aerospace manufacturing facility requires expertise in industrial construction, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, and specialized aerospace manufacturing requirements. Regional contractors with experience in similar projects or the ability to develop specialized capabilities may find substantial opportunities as the project moves forward.
The Tioga County IDA voted unanimously to approve the PILOT application in December 2025. The project is expected to begin before the end of 2025, with initial phases becoming operational by mid-2026 and the complete project reaching conclusion by the end of 2027.
Interested contractors, engineering firms, and service providers are encouraged to monitor the project as it progresses. Lockheed Martin typically works with established regional partners for major facility projects, and the company may issue procurement documents or requests for proposals as the project advances into the construction phase.
Source: WBNG News, "$51M Lockheed Martin renovation approved," December 9, 2025; Spectrum News, "Lockheed Martin moving forward with $51m expansion project in Owego," December 10, 2025; Central New York Business Journal, "Lockheed Martin plans for $51 million expansion project at Owego plant." Tioga County Industrial Development Agency official announcement, December 2025.
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