Blackland Aerospace, a manufacturer of aerospace components, announced that it has purchased East Hartford, Connecticut-based Lewis Machine, a producer of complex precision-machined jet engine components. Lewis Machine manufactures components for customers in the military and commercial jet engine, power plant, missile and airframe industries.
The company delivers engine components for several major U.S. fighters, including the F-35, F-22, F-16 and the F-15. In addition, the Connecticut-based company manufactures engine parts for a wide range of commercial airliners, including Airbus A380, A330, A320 and Boeing 777, 767, 747 and 737.
Gary Aicher, Chief Executive Officer of Blackland Aerospace, remarked that the company has an exceptional track record with significant advancements in its operations. Blackland employs lean six sigma principles to increase quality, lead time, and prompt delivery, which helps to grow its businesses. This initiative will lead the Lewis Machine to the further higher growth level, added Aicher.
The President of Blackland Group, Mike George, noted that this is Blackland Aerospace’s third acquisition in the last fourteen months, which represents the company’s commitment to build an established platform in the field. Blackland Aerospace also owns two other aircraft component manufacturers: Skokie, Illinois-based Prikos & Becker and Elkhart, Indiana-based Kessington. Prikos & Becker manufactures intricate assemblies that require metal fabrications, such as laser welding, spot welding and stamping and Kessington produces small, low tolerance components that are utilized in critical aerospace applications.