Chester Co.'s Sikorsky Plant To Remain Open, For The Time Being

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Nearly 500 jobs are safe in Chester County, at least for the next year, as Lockheed's Sikorsky plant will remain open.

County officials confirmed that the Coatesville plant, which was scheduled to close this summer, would remain open through at least 2020.

Chester County Commissioners said they were hopeful they could reach a long term solution with the company.

"Our Task Force will continue to work tirelessly to keep Sikorsky here and their 465 employees employed," the county said in a statement.

When news first broke that Lockheed planned to shut down the plant, President Trump interceded, speaking to Lockheed CEO Marillyn Hewson about maintaining operations.

Sikorsky, which was sold to Lockheed in 2015, makes the helicopters used by the White House. The company builds both civilian and military choppers.

It's not yet clear what led the company to alter course. State Sen. Andy Dinniman said the lack of details surrounding the deal was "concerning" given the gravity of the situation.

"While, for the moment, it appears Sikorsky workers are protected, the strength of our region is reliant on a healthy and robust workforce," Dinniman said in a statement. "I view this announcement as simply the beginning of a comprehensive process, and I plan on continuing this conversation into the future to ensure Sikorsky’s temporary stay is permanent."

The Lockheed plant now run by Sikorsky was formerly Keystone Helicopter, a longtime Chester County company.