Cerberus Capital Management has acquired Votaw Precision Technologies, a manufacturer of hardware and components for aerospace and defense platforms, from Doerfer Corporation.
Votaw is a specialty manufacturer of complex components used in aerospace, defense, space, and maritime applications, including hardware for satellites, undersea vehicles, ground radar systems, and launch platforms. Votaw’s manufacturing capabilities include vertical turning, large milling, fabrication, complex assembly, special processing, and testing and finishing.
Votaw was founded in 1963 by Walt and Maxine Votaw and has long-standing relationships across aerospace and defense customers. It is actively involved in both legacy and next-generation national security programs. The company operates from a 210,000-square-foot facility located near Los Angeles in Santa Fe Springs, California.
Doerfer Corporation acquired Votaw in October 2018 as part of its efforts to expand its capabilities in precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense applications.
“Votaw’s commitment to quality and technical excellence has enabled us to deliver essential components to customers for more than six decades,” said Kevin Schrage, the chief operating officer of Votaw. “We are thrilled to be entering this new chapter with the Cerberus team who deeply understands our business, industry, and customer base, and brings an operational and strategic mindset that can support our growth. Together, we are excited to build on our core and complementary capabilities to extend Votaw’s impact across key areas of national importance.”
Votaw’s products include components for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Key products include wrap mandrels for shaping rocket boosters, pusher sleds for rocket testing, and fuel handling containers for storing propellants. For the SLS, it machines throat support housings, forward end rings, and nose inlet housings, which are critical to nozzle structure and airflow. Votaw also builds specialized tooling like master gauges and drill jigs.
“Votaw has an outstanding reputation as a trusted manufacturing and precision machining partner on complex programs critical to our national security,” said Steve Cook, a senior managing director at Cerberus. “We are looking forward to supporting the team in executing on meaningful opportunities to strengthen and expand their partnerships across the U.S. defense industrial base. This transaction is a key step toward building an agile set of unique, in-demand capabilities that better serve the immediate and next-generation needs of aerospace and defense customers.”
Cerberus Capital Management has approximately $65 billion of assets under management and invests in credit, private equity, and real estate platforms. The firm was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in New York City.
Doerfer Corporation is an engineering and manufacturing company that designs and builds custom automation equipment and precision systems for the aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare industries.
Doerfer operates through several specialized units, including Iowa-based TDS Automation, an Iowa-based maker of material handling equipment; Wheelift, an Iowa-based maker of heavy lift (greater than 50-ton) material handling equipment; Williams, White & Company, an Illinois-based manufacturer of large-format hydraulic presses; and MexSteel OpCo, a Mexico-based maker of storage tanks used in oil and gas applications.
Doerfer, led by CEO David Takes, was founded in 1961 and is headquartered 75 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids in Waverly, Iowa.
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