MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Lockheed Martin will be consolidating operations and closing its Middle River facility.

The Middle River operations center supports small combatants and ship systems programs, including the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), next generation launching systems, ship controls and automation and Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) engineering and sustainment, according to FOX 45.

“In our ongoing effort to drive down costs for customers and increase efficiency and value, we are consolidating some operations in our Rotary and Mission Systems business to better align employees, technology and facilities to meet customer needs,” the Bethesda-based defense contractor told The Baltimore Sun.

The company plans to offer the 465 employees at the Middle River facility a chance to relocate or telework.

The transitions are expected to begin in 2022.

Lockheed Martin currently employs more than 3,150 people in Maryland.