May 7, 2012 – Blackland Aerospace, a portfolio company of Blackland Group, has acquired Lewis Machine Company, a manufacturer of precision-machined components. “This is the third acquisition in fourteen months for Blackland Aerospace, reaffirming our commitment to building a leading platform in the sector. Lewis Machine is an excellent addition to our portfolio, with 50 years of history manufacturing highly differentiated jet engine components,” said Mike George, Blackland Group’s President.
Lewis Machine Company specializes in manufacturing complex precision-machined components for clients in the commercial and military jet engine, airframe, missile and power plant industries. Lewis supplies engine components for most major U.S. fighter platforms, including the F-15, F-16, F-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Lewis Machine Company also make engine components for most commercial airliners including Boeing 737, 747, 767 and 777 and Airbus A320, A330 and A380. The company is based in Hartford, CT (no website found).
“Blackland has an excellent track record with operational improvements, dating back to the days of George Group Consulting. Using Lean Six Sigma principles to improve quality, lead time, and on-time delivery, our focus on increasing competitiveness to grow businesses will help us take Lewis Machine to the next level,” said Gary Aicher, CEO, Blackland Aerospace.
Blackland Aerospace is a platform holding company specializing in the aerospace industry with an emphasis on component manufacturing. In addition to Lewis Machine, Blackland Aerospace owns two other component manufacturers, Kessington and Prikos & Becker. Kessington is a manufacturer of small, extremely close tolerance components used in critical aerospace applications (engines, landing gear, wheel and brake) located in Elkhart, IN (www.kessington.com). Prikos & Becker is a manufacturer specializing in intricate assemblies requiring metal fabrications (stamping, forming, laser cutting, machining, spot welding and laser welding), with a particular expertise in manufacturing landing gear heat shields. Prikos & Becker is based in Skokie, IL (no website found).
Blackland Group makes control investments of $3 million to $20 million in lower middle market, under-performing, and mature companies that have annual revenues between $10 million and $50 million and minimum EBITDAs of $2 million. Sectors of interest include aerospace, defense and differentiated niche manufacturers. The firm is based in Dallas, TX (www.blacklandgroup.com).
Lewis Machine was represented by Lyons Solutions, a middle market investment bank with offices in North Port, FL and Simsbury, CT (www.lyonssolutions.com).
