Area Development
After receiving a federal contract to build Littoral Combat Ships, General Dynamics will create up to 500 jobs in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

"For the Navy, this means new class of small, high-speed, stealthy ships, capable of many different missions, just what the Navy needs to complement its larger ships as we rebuild our armed forces to meet the challenges of the 21st century. And for Massachusetts, it means the creation of 350 to 500 new jobs in the Pittsfield area, jobs that Western Massachusetts desperately needs, jobs that will be a shot in the arm for families and friends, at a time when they need it," said Senator John Kerry.

General Dynamics is one of the Berkshires' most important and biggest employers. The Navy has requested 10 such ships, and is eventually seeking to acquire a fleet of 55 of the ships.