F T. LAUDERDALE, FL (July 21, 2003) ...McKechnie Aerospace announced today the formation of an Aftermarket Group to serve air transport operators and MROs. The three member companies that comprise the group-Arger, Aero Quality Sales (AQS) and HASCO-have long been respected suppliers to the aviation community. By combining operations, the Aftermarket Group will be well positioned to provide McKechnie Aerospace customers with a wide range of products from its extensive network of principals as well as enhanced, in-depth supply chain services and access to the extensive, industry unique PMA and solutions engineering support offered by the McKechnie Aerospace group.
Mr. Robert Gibbon, Divisional Chief Executive, Aerospace Division of McKechnie Aerospace, noted that, "We’re confident that the formation of the Aftermarket Group will facilitate long-range, mutually beneficial relationships between McKechnie and its air transport and MRO customers. Unlike traditional distributors and supply chain partners, our aftermarket group will be able to play a proactive role in helping our customers solve problems where they occur along the value chain, giving them access to the considerable value-added PMA capabilities of McKechnie Aerospace".
McKechnie Aerospace has long been acknowledged as a leading developer of innovative, PMA and STC solutions. The company has been responsible for the development of thousands of value-add FAA PMAs and is known within the industry for solving a wide range of problems and improving state-of-the-art in electromechanical, structures, and fastener technology.
In addition to offering airlines, operators and MROs new areas of support, the Aftermarket Group is strengthening its ability to provide fast and economical access to the group’s highly respected and growing network of principals. The company recently completed an on-line ordering e-com system that is designed to simplify logistics for even the most complex fleet provisioning requirements. The company offers a wide range of value added supply-chain related services including AOG, JIT, complete kitting, special stocking and logistics support programs.
Mr. Gibbon further noted that, "each of the individual companies involved in the Aftermarket Group have amassed a track record that they can be exceptionally proud of. Together, we have the unique opportunity to combine our strengths and draw from the experience and the resources of the entire McKechnie Aerospace Group to find a truly effective solution to a customer problem. It is said that an idea is a powerful thing, and through the idea of Solutioneering we can make a powerful difference to our customers."
The three heritage companies include Arger, Aero Quality Sales, and HASCO. The following provides a brief description of each of the heritage companies and their products.
Arger was founded as a stocking distributor and technical representative serving the commercial aviation aftermarket developing and delivering over 4,000 PMA solutions to the industry. Key products include PMA structural latches, hold open rods, slotted entry bearings, spherical bearings, metallic and non-metallic bushings, temperature & pressure switches, fasteners, corrosion preventative products, high strength nuts and fasteners, extreme environment seals, gear box components, links, manifolds, gaskets, washers, thermal blankets, heat shields, swirlers, combustor components, brush seals, runner blocks, and APU components.
Aero Quality Sales (AQS) is widely considered the industry’s most experienced distributor of aviation batteries, battery servicing equipment, and Ground Support Equipment. AQS is an authorized stocking distributor for Marathon, Saft, Gill, Hawker Energy Products, Concorde, Christie, Tronair and Aero Design. The company has also just introduced a unique, efficient, and extremely reliable on-board commercial aircraft coffee maker (see release in this package).
HASCO is the authorized aftermarket arm for Hartwell and VELCRO® products. The company provides just-in-time scheduled deliveries from its extensive inventory to reduce cost of ownership for its customers. For AOGs (aircraft on ground), HASCO™ can ship to its worldwide customers in less than 4 hours. Normal lead-time for stock is same-day service.
Products include Hartwell latches, hinges, Nylatch®, Lockwell® pins and VELCRO® products.
McKechnie Aerospace’s aftermarket group is supported by Jesse, PTMI, and McKechnie Aerospace’s electromechanical, structures and fastener groups. These groups include heritage companies Electromech, Encore, Hartwell, Linread Leicester, Linread Redditch, TAC, Tyee, Valley-Todeco, and Welco.
McKechnie Aerospace provides a broad spectrum of components, related systems, engineering solutions and on-site service to support the commercial, regional, business and military aerospace industries around the world. McKechnie Aerospace works in partnership with the airframe and engine manufacturers and their subcontractors in the conception and creation of new products, and through the aftermarket group utilizes in-service feedback from MROs and aircraft operators to form the foundation of enhanced performance PMA product developments.
For more information or to arrange for an interview, please contact: Michael King, King Group. Phone: 805.462.3000. Email: mking@kinggroup.com
