MRO & Manufacturing
EPC Aerospace Establishes U.S. Headquarters at Orlando Airport
EPC Aerospace opens its U.S. HQ at Orlando International Airport, starting a global expansion with new MRO centers in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
EPC Aerospace Plants U.S. Flag at Orlando International Airport
In a significant move for the global aviation sector, EPC Aerospace, a disabled veteran-owned and operated company, has officially launched its U.S. headquarters at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This development is not merely a new office on a map; it represents the foundational step in an ambitious global expansion strategy. By acquiring and rebranding the existing Sky Aerospace Engineering LLC, EPC Aerospace has firmly anchored its American operations in a region rapidly becoming synonymous with aerospace innovation. This strategic decision signals a strong vote of confidence in Orlando’s robust infrastructure and specialized talent pool.
The establishment of this headquarters is the first phase of a planned global network of advanced MRO centers. This network, which will eventually include facilities in the United Kingdom and Australia, is designed to create an integrated support system for both commercial and defense aviation. For Orlando, attracting a company with such a forward-looking global vision reinforces its status as a critical hub for the aerospace and defense industries. The move promises to bring high-value jobs and further solidify Central Florida’s reputation as a launchpad for next-generation aviation technologies.
A Strategic Leap Towards a Global MRO Network
The launch of EPC Aerospace’s U.S. headquarters is anchored by the strategic acquisition of Sky Aerospace Engineering LLC. This wasn’t just a purchase; it was a deliberate rebranding and integration effort to establish a strong operational base at a key international airport. The Orlando facility is now poised to become the primary hub for the company’s domestic and international airline maintenance activities. This move provides EPC Aerospace with an immediate, functioning foothold in the competitive U.S. aviation market, allowing it to serve a broad range of clients from day one.
This acquisition is the cornerstone of a much larger vision. EPC Aerospace is embarking on a more than $100 million global expansion aimed at creating a seamless network of MRO centers. The goal is to build an enterprise capable of supporting the complex needs of next-generation aircraft programs across the commercial and defense sectors. By establishing interconnected facilities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, the company aims to offer standardized, high-quality maintenance and modification services on a global scale, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency for its partners.
The Dual-Focus Operational Model
A key aspect of EPC Aerospace’s strategy is its unique operating model, which is designed to keep its commercial and defense programs independent yet harmonized. This structure is crucial for navigating the distinct regulatory and security requirements of each sector. It allows the company to meet stringent defense contract obligations, including necessary clearances, without compromising the agility and customer-centric approach required for commercial airline maintenance. This dual-focus ensures compliance while fostering scalability and operational flexibility.
The Orlando headquarters will serve as a practical application of this model. It will function as the strategic hub for commercial MRO services while also acting as a staging point for specialized modification and support programs tailored to defense requirements. This integrated approach allows for shared expertise and resources where appropriate, creating a high-value, low-risk operational framework. As CEO Prashan Ambawatta noted, this ensures the company is ready for future defense programs while continuing to deliver premium services to its airline partners.
“By establishing our U.S. headquarters and initial base at MCO through the acquisition of Sky Aerospace, we are taking a decisive step toward building a trusted and innovative global enterprise capable of supporting the next generation of aircraft programs.” – Prashan Ambawatta, CEO of EPC Aerospace LLC
Why Orlando? A Confluence of Talent, Infrastructure, and Vision
The decision to select Orlando was the result of a careful and deliberate process, heavily influenced by the region’s thriving aerospace and defense ecosystem. The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) played a pivotal role, providing guidance and connecting EPC Aerospace with key public and private stakeholders. This “white glove treatment,” as described by the company’s CEO, showcased the region’s commitment to fostering business growth and partnerships. Orlando’s world-class infrastructure, particularly at MCO, presented a turnkey solution for establishing a major operational hub.
Local and state leaders have voiced strong support for the move, highlighting the synergistic relationship between EPC Aerospace’s goals and the region’s economic strategy. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer emphasized that the investment underscores how the city’s infrastructure and collaborative spirit attract forward-thinking global companies. Similarly, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings noted that the expansion is a “strong vote of confidence” in the county’s growing aviation and defense industry, which provides an ideal environment for innovation and manufacturing.
Tapping into a World-Class Talent Pipeline
Beyond infrastructure, access to a deep pool of specialized talent was a critical factor in EPC Aerospace’s decision. The proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF), a top provider of engineers to the U.S. defense and aerospace industry, offers a significant advantage. This direct pipeline to a highly skilled workforce provides a “strong tailwind” for the company’s growth, as noted by State Representative David Smith. The state’s long-term commitment to developing this workforce through investment in career and technical education further enhances the region’s appeal.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) shares this vision of creating a dynamic aerospace hub. GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle stated that MCO’s goal is to foster an environment where businesses like EPC Aerospace can thrive and “shape a standard of aerospace excellence on our airfield.” This alignment of vision between industry, government, and academia creates a powerful ecosystem that not only attracts companies but also provides the necessary support for their long-term success and innovation.
“EPC Aerospace’s decision to establish its U.S. headquarters and operations at Orlando International Airport underscores the strength of our region’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. Their investment builds on Orlando’s global connectivity, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and deep pool of specialized talent.” – Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of Orlando Economic Partnership
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Orlando’s Aerospace Future
The establishment of EPC Aerospace’s U.S. headquarters at Orlando International Airport is a landmark event that signals a new phase of growth for both the company and the region. For EPC Aerospace, it is the critical first step in a well-defined strategy to become a global leader in the MRO sector, serving both commercial and defense aviation with an integrated, multi-national network. The acquisition of Sky Aerospace provides an immediate, robust operational foundation upon which to build this ambitious vision.
For Orlando, this move is a powerful affirmation of its status as a premier destination for the aerospace and defense industries. It highlights the success of a concerted regional effort to build an ecosystem that combines world-class infrastructure, a rich talent pipeline, and a collaborative, pro-business environment. As EPC Aerospace moves toward its full operational launch in early 2026, its presence is set to create high-wage jobs, strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector, and further cement Orlando’s reputation as a global launchpad for the future of aviation.
FAQ
Question: What is EPC Aerospace?
Answer: EPC Aerospace is a disabled veteran-owned and operated global aerospace and defense company that provides advanced maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and modification services for both commercial and military aircraft.
Question: Why did EPC Aerospace choose Orlando for its U.S. headquarters?
Answer: Orlando was selected due to its strategic location at Orlando International Airport (MCO), its robust aerospace and defense ecosystem, strong support from local and state partners like the Orlando Economic Partnership, and its access to a skilled workforce, particularly from the University of Central Florida.
Question: What are the company’s expansion plans?
Answer: This is the first step in a more than $100 million global expansion to create a network of advanced MRO centers. The international network will include facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to serve both commercial and defense clients.
Question: When will the new facility be fully operational?
Answer: The full operational launch of the new facility at Orlando International Airport is planned for early 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: EPC Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Unveils New Brands Ahead of 2026 Aerospace Spin-Off
Honeywell announces Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace as independent firms post June 29, 2026 spin-off, focusing on AI and aviation.
On June 1, 2026, Honeywell officially unveiled the new brand identities for its automation and aerospace businesses, marking the final stages of a historic corporate restructuring. The two new entities, Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace, will operate as independent, publicly traded companies following the aerospace division’s official spin-off scheduled for June 29, 2026.
According to the company’s press release, this announcement dismantles the 140-year-old conglomerate into focused, pure-play businesses. The strategic pivot aligns with broader Wall Street trends that increasingly favor specialized operations over sprawling industrial giants, allowing each new company to target specific global megatrends without competing for internal capital.
The New Brands: Technologies and Aerospace
Following the June 29 separation, the two resulting companies will operate with distinct strategic focuses and market identities. Industry research indicates that the automation business, now branded as Honeywell Technologies, will retain the legacy Nasdaq ticker “HON.” This entity is positioned to lead the industrial transition from automation to autonomy, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence-led industrial systems, building automation, and mission-critical software.
Conversely, the aviation business will launch as Honeywell Aerospace and trade on the Nasdaq under the new ticker “HONA.” Operating as one of the largest publicly traded, pure-play aerospace suppliers, Honeywell Aerospace will target the future of aviation. According to industry data, the division currently generates approximately $15 billion in annual sales and will focus its independent efforts on aircraft electrification, autonomous flight, and defense applications.
Leadership Perspective
Company leadership emphasized that the rebranding is designed to respect the conglomerate’s extensive history while pivoting toward modern technological demands. In the official press release, Honeywell Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur highlighted the significance of the transition.
“Today marks another defining moment in our transformation into two independent, focused companies. Drawing on Honeywell’s century-long legacy, these new brand identities honor our history while reflecting the bold vision and strategic focus that will define Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace as standalone companies.”
, Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell
The Road to the Spin-Off
The dissolution of the Honeywell conglomerate has been a multi-year process driven by internal strategic reviews and external market pressures. In November 2024, Elliott Investment Management acquired a $5 billion stake in the company, publishing a letter that urged the board to simplify its structure to unlock shareholder value. By February 2025, Honeywell’s Board of Directors formalized the plan to separate into three independent companies: Automation, Aerospace, and Advanced Materials.
The first phase of this massive restructuring was completed in October 2025, when Honeywell successfully spun off its Advanced Materials business. That entity now operates as a standalone public company named Solstice Advanced Materials, trading under the ticker “SOLS.”
Financial Implications
Prior to the upcoming aerospace spin-off, Honeywell’s total market value is estimated at approximately $150.72 billion, with an estimated brand value of $18 billion built over 140 years of operation. Financial analysts at Wolfe Research have previously projected that a “sum-of-the-parts” valuation for the post-split entities could reach a significant premium over Honeywell’s historical trading range, drawing comparisons to the highly lucrative 2024 spin-off of GE Vernova.
AirPro News analysis
We view Honeywell’s breakup as a definitive marker in the ongoing $1.2 trillion U.S. industrial divestiture trend. By following the blueprint laid out by General Electric and Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell is positioning its aerospace and automation divisions to be significantly more agile. As separate entities with distinct balance sheets, both Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace can more easily pursue targeted mergers and acquisitions. Without the burden of competing for internal capital, Honeywell Aerospace is now uniquely positioned to aggressively fund the electrification of aircraft, while Honeywell Technologies can double down on artificial intelligence and industrial autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the Honeywell Aerospace spin-off take effect?
The aerospace division will officially spin off into an independent, publicly traded company on June 29, 2026.
What will the new stock tickers be?
Honeywell Technologies (the automation business) will retain the legacy ticker “HON,” while Honeywell Aerospace will trade under the new ticker “HONA.”
What happened to Honeywell’s Advanced Materials business?
The Advanced Materials division was successfully spun off in October 2025 as Solstice Advanced Materials, which currently trades under the ticker “SOLS.”
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell
MRO & Manufacturing
Sopra Steria to Acquire Daher’s Aerospace Manufacturing Unit in 2026
Sopra Steria plans to acquire Daher’s Manufacturing Engineering business to expand aerospace production capabilities and strengthen Airbus collaboration.
This article is based on an official press release from Sopra Steria.
On May 28, 2026, European technology and consulting major Sopra Steria announced it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the Manufacturing Engineering business of Daher Industrial Services, a subsidiary of the French aerospace conglomerate Group Daher. According to the official press release, the proposed acquisition aligns with Sopra Steria’s broader strategy to build comprehensive technological and engineering capabilities across the European aerospace sector.
The targeted unit specializes in optimizing aerospace production processes and has served as a strategic partner to Airbus since 1995. Industry research reports indicate that the unit generated more than €42 million in revenue in 2025 and employs over 360 people, primarily based in France. The financial terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
Subject to customary regulatory approvals and consultations with employee representative bodies, the companies expect to finalize the transaction in the second half of 2026. We view this development as a significant indicator of ongoing consolidation within the aerospace digital engineering space.
Strategic Expansion in Aerospace Engineering
Sopra Steria, which reported a global revenue of €5.6 billion in 2025 and employs approximately 51,000 people across nearly 30 countries, has been actively expanding its footprint in the aerospace and defense sectors. The company previously acquired CS Group to bolster its secure infrastructure and engineering programs, and this latest move signals a continued focus on industrial optimization.
Deepening the Airbus Partnership
The acquisition is designed to elevate Sopra Steria’s aerospace business by expanding its capacity in critical Manufacturing engineering processes. According to industry research, the Daher unit focuses on two vital phases of aerospace manufacturing: the pre-production preparatory phase and production ramp-up efficiency. By integrating these capabilities, Sopra Steria aims to offer end-to-end skills to major European aerospace programs.
“The acquisition allows the company to offer comprehensive, end-to-end skills to major European aerospace programs,” notes recent industry research analyzing the deal.
The global aerospace industry is currently facing immense pressure to accelerate aircraft production to meet post-pandemic travel demand. Sopra Steria is positioning itself as a vital technological partner to help manufacturers, particularly Airbus, meet these accelerating production paces and exacting industrial standards.
Daher’s Strategic Realignment
For Group Daher, the divestment of its Manufacturing Engineering unit represents a strategic realignment toward its core competencies. While the company is stepping away from this specific engineering niche, it remains heavily invested in aerospace logistics and its own aircraft manufacturing operations, which include the TBM and Kodiak aircraft families.
Focus on Logistics and Aircraft Manufacturing
Divesting the engineering unit is expected to allow Daher to concentrate capital on massive logistics and manufacturing scale-ups. In early 2026, Daher renewed and expanded a significant logistics contract with Airbus Atlantic. According to industry data, this contract runs from 2026 to 2031 and involves managing the West Hub in Montoir-de-Bretagne. Daher aims to triple logistics volumes at this site to support the production ramp-up of the Airbus A320, A330, and A350 programs.
Aggressive M&A and Financial Health
The proposed acquisition of Daher’s engineering unit is not an isolated event for Sopra Steria. The announcement follows closely on the heels of another strategic move. Industry research highlights that Sopra Steria recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Digital Product Simulation (DPS), a Paris-based digital engineering consulting firm.
DPS, which generated approximately €12 million in revenue in 2025, is being acquired through Sopra Steria’s subsidiary, CIMPA. Alongside these aggressive Mergers and Acquisitions activities, Sopra Steria recently announced a €40 million share buyback program. This follows a previous €150 million buyback concluded in January 2025, signaling strong financial health and a commitment to shareholder returns.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that IT and digital consulting firms like Sopra Steria are increasingly encroaching on traditional industrial engineering spaces. As the aerospace industry grapples with supply chain bottlenecks and ambitious production targets, digitizing and optimizing the factory floor has become a critical prerequisite for success. By acquiring established engineering units with deep-rooted OEM relationships, such as the 30-year partnership between Daher’s unit and Airbus, tech firms are effectively buying their way into the heart of the aerospace supply chain. This multi-pronged consolidation strategy, evidenced by the concurrent moves for Daher’s unit and DPS, suggests that the lines between digital IT consulting and physical manufacturing engineering will continue to blur.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the acquisition expected to close?
According to the press release, the transaction is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026, pending Regulations and employee consultations.
How large is the business being acquired?
Industry research indicates the Manufacturing Engineering business of Daher Industrial Services employs over 360 people and generated more than €42 million in revenue in 2025.
Why is Daher selling this unit?
Daher is divesting this unit to focus on its core competencies, specifically its massive aerospace logistics contracts and its own aircraft manufacturing operations (TBM and Kodiak).
Sources
Photo Credit: Sopra Steria
MRO & Manufacturing
Stratasys to Acquire Markforged for $42.5 Million Expanding 3D Printing Tech
Stratasys announces acquisition of Markforged for $42.5M to enhance aerospace and defense 3D printing capabilities, closing in late 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Stratasys.
On May 27, 2026, Stratasys Ltd. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Markforged, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nano Dimension, in an all-cash transaction valued at $42.5 million. According to the company’s press release, the acquisitions is strategically designed to bolster Stratasys’s capabilities within the aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
The deal will see Stratasys integrate Markforged’s advanced composite 3D printing technologies and its comprehensive software ecosystems. Included in the acquisition are Markforged’s polymer, composite, and metal extrusion portfolios, its proprietary Continuous Carbon Fiber (CCF) technology, and “The Digital Forge” software platform. Notably, Nano Dimension will retain Markforged’s Metal Binder Jetting product line.
Subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the transaction is projected to close in the second half of 2026. This move marks a significant step in the ongoing consolidation of the additive manufacturing industry, leveraging Stratasys’s strong balance sheet to expand its technological footprint.
Strategic Expansion in Aerospace and Defense
According to the official announcement, Stratasys expects the integration of Markforged’s Continuous Carbon Fiber (CCF) technology to directly support high-requirement use cases in aerospace and defense. CCF technology enables manufacturers to produce parts that are significantly lighter and stronger than traditional Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) alternatives. Stratasys highlighted that these capabilities are particularly suited for tooling, fixtures, ground support equipment, and select production parts.
Beyond hardware, the acquisition brings “The Digital Forge” into the Stratasys portfolio. This integrated software platform offers complementary capabilities, including advanced simulation, part management, and automated print optimization, which are critical for secure remote printing and rigorous part inspection in highly regulated industries.
Financial Synergies and Market Reach
Industry data indicates that Markforged generated approximately $70 million in revenue in 2025, a figure that includes the Metal Binder Jetting line being retained by Nano Dimension. Stratasys stated in its release that it expects the acquisition to be accretive to gross margins and to deliver meaningful cost synergies. The company projects a positive adjusted EBITDA contribution from the acquisition within the first year following the close of the transaction.
“This acquisition further advances our capabilities to meet customers’ growing needs in critical areas such as defense and aerospace at a time when additive manufacturing continues to displace traditional manufacturing for high requirement applications in production,” said Dr. Yoav Zeif, CEO of Stratasys, in the press release. “We believe that our teams can immediately reinvigorate revenue growth by adding Markforged, Inc.’s products and software systems as we leverage our leading partner networks.”
Industry Consolidation and Restructuring
For Nano Dimension, the divestiture serves primarily as a strategic cost-reduction measure. The company expects the sale to reduce its annualized cash burn by approximately $15 million through direct operating savings and indirect cost reductions. The transaction also highlights the steep valuation adjustments occurring within the 3D printing sector; Nano Dimension originally acquired Markforged in April 2025 for $116 million.
In a statement regarding the sale, Nano Dimension leadership emphasized that the move aligns with their broader corporate restructuring efforts.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Stratasys that we believe positions MarkForged for continued growth and success under its ownership,” stated David Stehlin, CEO of Nano Dimension. “This transaction represents a deliberate step in advancing Nano Dimension’s three phase strategic plan and accelerating Phase 3 execution.”
AirPro News analysis
We observe a profound historic role reversal in this transaction. In 2023, Nano Dimension launched multiple unsolicited, hostile takeover bids to acquire Stratasys, all of which ultimately failed. Today, the negotiating power has entirely shifted. Stratasys recently reported holding $270 million in cash with zero outstanding debt, positioning it as a primary consolidator in the market. By contrast, Nano Dimension has been forced to aggressively divest and restructure, particularly following the July 2025 bankruptcy of Desktop Metal, another major acquisition it had made for $179.3 million.
Stratasys is clearly utilizing its robust balance sheet to capitalize on distressed valuations across the sector. Having recently acquired Nexa3D’s IP portfolio and remaining hardware assets, Stratasys is systematically absorbing complementary technologies at a fraction of their historical market premiums. We anticipate this trend of well-capitalized legacy players absorbing the assets of over-extended newer entrants will continue to define the additive manufacturing landscape through the end of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Stratasys paying for Markforged?
Stratasys is acquiring Markforged in an all-cash transaction valued at $42.5 million, subject to customary adjustments.
Are all Markforged assets included in the sale?
No. While Stratasys is acquiring the polymer, composite, and metal extrusion portfolios, as well as “The Digital Forge” software, Nano Dimension will retain Markforged’s Metal Binder Jetting product line.
When is the acquisition expected to close?
The deal is projected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Why is Nano Dimension selling Markforged?
The sale is part of Nano Dimension’s strategic restructuring to reduce costs. The company expects the divestiture to reduce its annualized cash burn by approximately $15 million.
Sources
Photo Credit: Markforged
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