Sikorsky to close Coatesville helicopter plant, 240 jobs to be lost

Lockheed Martin announced Thursday that it would close the Sikorsky helicopter plant in the Coatesville area — near Chester County Airport in Valley — with the loss of some 240 local jobs. Not surprisingly, many of the elected officials who brokered a deal to keep the plant open in 2019 expressed anger and frustration at the decision — including U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-6), who fought to...

Sikorsky to lay off 720 at Chesco facility

SADSBURY — Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft said late Tueday that it plans to layoff some 720 workers and contractors due to decreased demand for its commercial helicopters at its production facility adjacent to the Chester County Airport, straddling Sadsbury and Valley townships. The company said that as worldwide oil prices have dropped, demand for helicopters from oil companies for use...