Ontic expands US aerospace portfolio with Aero-Mach acquisition

Ontic has expanded its aerospace portfolio with the acquisition of Wichita-based Aero-Mach Companies, adding three established specialist brands, new manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities, and a long-standing customer base to the growing aerospace group.

The acquisition brings Aero-Mach Labs, Aero-Mach Wilco and Aero-Mach TCO into the Ontic family, further strengthening the company’s presence in the US aerospace market and increasing its global site count to 11.

With more than 50 years of experience in aviation, Aero-Mach has developed a reputation for specialist aerospace manufacturing, technical services, parts distribution and aftermarket support. Its businesses serve customers across both civil and military aviation, with a particular focus on supporting aircraft products throughout their operational lives.

Aero-Mach Labs provides specialist aerospace manufacturing, technical services, and repair and overhaul capabilities, while Aero-Mach Wilco operates as a distributor of aviation parts and products.

The third business, Aero-Mach TCO, designs and manufactures aircraft static dischargers for both piston and turbine-powered aircraft, adding another specialist product line to Ontic’s existing portfolio.

The acquisition also brings experience that closely aligns with Ontic’s established business model. Aero-Mach has a proven history of transitioning and supporting aerospace product lines in partnership with leading OEMs, while Ontic specialises in taking on established aircraft products and providing long-term support for operators and customers.

JC Gallagher, CEO of Ontic, said Aero-Mach was a strong fit for the company because of its specialist expertise and established customer relationships.

“Aero-Mach is a great fit for Ontic. It has an excellent reputation, specialist capabilities and strong relationships with customers across the aviation industry,” said Gallagher.

“Importantly, the team also understands what it takes to successfully transition and support aerospace product lines, making its capabilities highly complementary to Ontic.

“By bringing Aero-Mach into Ontic, we can build on those strengths while providing the investment, scale and global reach to support its continued growth.”

For Aero-Mach, becoming part of Ontic provides access to the resources of a larger global aerospace organisation while retaining the expertise and customer relationships developed over more than five decades.

Jeff Carnley, Aero-Mach CEO, said the acquisition represented the next stage in the company’s development.

“Joining Ontic is an exciting next step for Aero-Mach. We share a commitment to quality, technical expertise and long-term customer support,” said Carnley.

“Becoming part of a global aerospace business gives us the opportunity to build on what we have created, invest in our capabilities and continue to grow while retaining the strengths that our customers value.”

The deal also expands Ontic’s physical presence in the United States, with the company taking on Aero-Mach’s Wichita facility and its existing workforce.

For customers, however, the immediate impact of the acquisition is expected to be minimal, with the Aero-Mach team continuing to provide the products and support customers already rely on.

Jason White, General Manager of Aero-Mach, said: “For our customers, it’s business as usual. They’ll continue to work with the same Aero-Mach team and receive the same quality, service and support they know today.

“What changes is the global scale, investment and expertise we now have behind us as part of Ontic.”

The acquisition gives Ontic another established aerospace operation in a strategically important US aviation centre, while adding complementary capabilities across manufacturing, component distribution, repair and overhaul and specialist aircraft equipment.

For Aero-Mach, the deal provides the backing to invest and grow while continuing to operate with the specialist knowledge that has underpinned the business for more than 50 years.

“Aero-Mach has spent half-a-century building a business and reputation that customers trust,” Gallagher added. “We’re delighted to welcome the Aero-Mach team to Ontic and to continue supporting the customers who rely on them.”