Tailwind Technologies Inc.
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logo HARTZELL PROPELLER INC.
www.hartzellprop.com

Hartzell Propeller is the leading manufacturer of aircraft propeller systems in the world and serves the general aviation industry globally. Founded in 1917, the company has been owned by the Browns since 1987 when it was acquired from TRW. Hartzell is headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, and employs 300+ people.

Hartzell designs and builds constant-speed variable pitch propellers for general aviation applications – both piston engine and turboprop. Aircraft propellers are highly engineered flight-critical components tailored to individual aircraft. Hence, engineering and quality assurance skills are crucial to the business, as are best-of-class manufacturing capabilities.

Some of the capabilities of the business include:

  • Close tolerance machining
  • Corrosion-resistant, long-wear, and reliability-focused products
  • Carbon composite fabrication capabilities
  • Stringent regulatory and quality systems management
  • Long product life cycle management
  • Product liability and risk management
  • Engineering and design

Hartzell sells its products in U.S. and foreign markets. The sales mix of two-thirds U.S. and one-third foreign mirrors worldwide aircraft activity. The company enjoys a happy mix of OEM and aftermarket sales.

Hartzell propellers are widely known and respected. The company has earned a sole-supplier position with many customers, including: Beech Aircraft (Hawker Beechcraft); Cirrus; Piaggio (Italy); Pilatus (Switzerland); and Socata (France).

Hartzell is led by Joe Brown, President and CEO, and assisted by Chairman Jim Brown Jr.

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logo INDUSTRIAL TUBE CORPORATION (ITC)
www.industrialtube.net

Since 1965, Industrial Tube Corporation (ITC) has been serving the aerospace and defense, aviation, industrial and marine markets. Its customers include Airbus, Boeing, C&D Zodiac, GE/Unison Industries, General Dynamics Land Systems, Rolls Royce and Sikorsky Aircraft.

ITC specializes in the design and manufacture of flexible hoses, special-shaped parts and composite structures, as well as hybrid composite, metal and elastomeric systems. These products are used to convey lowpressure gas, usually air, and “gray” water within aircraft. Recent developments led to the introduction of heated products.

ITC is recognized worldwide for commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company has been acknowledged by numerous customers, including General Dynamics (Top Gun Award), the Department of Defense (Best Value Gold Medalist) and most recently by Boeing and Air Force Systems as a “Very High
Performing Supplier.”

The company was acquired by Tailwind in 2004. ITC is housed in Perris, California, and employs approximately 100 people.

Some of the capabilities of the organization include:

  • Design and engineering
  • AS9100B and ISO 9001:2000 certified
  • Rapid product concept through prototype to production start-up
  • Hybrid system solutions incorporating composite, elastomeric and metal components
  • Full offering of elastomeric and composite materials available

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logo ELECTROFILM (EF) MANUFACTURING COMPANY
www.ef-heaters.com

Electrofilm (EF) Manufacturing Company is a leading designer and manufacturer of heated products and systems for aircraft, engines and environmental control systems, serving all segments of the aerospace and defense industry since 1949. EF has system content on virtually all major airframes in commercial service.

EF designs, tests and manufactures complete thermal packages, including controls, insulation and weather proofing as required. Products include embedded heaters for waterlines, cargo compartments, cockpit areas, foot rests, elevator leading edges, stall warning systems and drain masts. Facilities include electrical and chemical test equipment, pressure cure ovens, circuit etching lines and a paint shop. EF is a registered AS9100B and ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer.

EF was acquired by Tailwind Technologies Inc. in 2006. The company is located in Valencia, California, and employs approximately 100 people.

Unique capabilities of the organization include:

  • Design and engineering
  • AS9100B and ISO 9001:2000 certified
  • Custom heating solutions for any component shape, size or material
  • Full offering of dielectrics, resistance wires and foils and insulation materials available
  • UL component recognition

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ACOUSTICFAB LLC
www.acousticfab.com

AcousticFab LLC of Sanford, Florida, designs and fabricates a full range of aerospace and military-equipment noise control products and systems. Founded in 1991, AcousticFab specializes in products related to aircraft, ground-based and industrial air-flow systems, such as auxiliary power units (APU), environmental control systems (ECS), electronics cooling systems, main engines, aircraft doors and acoustic panels.

The company's experience and expertise have earned contracts from companies such as Boeing, Honeywell, Hamilton Sundstrand, Magellan Aerospace, and Hawker Beechcraft. Its products can be found on premier programs such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Embraer Commercial Jets, Bombardier Q400, Hawker 4000 and various systems on the International Space Station.

Acquired in June 2008, AcousticFab will be the fourth in the Tailwind Technologies portfolio of operating companies.

Acoustic Fab will continue to be led by its founder, Julius Mekwinski

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logo TAILWIND CAPITAL INC.


Founded in 2006, Tailwind Capital is the investment arm of Tailwind Technologies Inc.. It has been funded with cash in excess of business requirements. The wholly owned subsidiary manages and invests funds until required for acquisitionrelated deployment. Tailwind Capital has the wherewithal to eliminate or reduce financing risks for deals involving Tailwind. It is expected that additional funding will flow from operating units into Tailwind in the future. Tailwind Capital is led by Matt Jesch, Managing Director, with assistance from Jim Brown III.

Overall, the Browns intend to continue to grow Tailwind at a high, double-digit rate, using a strategy that combines internal growth of the operating units with well-considered acquisitions.

 

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Jim Brown Jr. James W. Brown III Joseph W. Brown Matthew L. Jesch Michael J. Piscatella