MRO & Manufacturing
Threadlock Precision Acquires Kremin Inc. to Expand US Defense Manufacturing
Threadlock Precision acquires Michigan-based Kremin Inc. to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing network in the US.
Threadlock Precision, a precision manufacturing platform supported by the D. E. Shaw Group, announced on January 12, 2026, that it has acquired Kremin Inc., a Michigan-based manufacturer specializing in high-precision components for the aerospace and defense sectors. This transaction marks Threadlock’s second major Acquisitions in four months, following its purchase of J&F Machine in October 2025, signaling an aggressive expansion Strategy aimed at consolidating the fragmented U.S. defense industrial base.
According to the company’s press release, the acquisition aligns with Threadlock’s mission to build a “preferred precision Manufacturing network” capable of meeting the rigorous demands of national security and industrial customers. By integrating Kremin Inc. into its portfolio, Threadlock aims to enhance its capabilities in complex Swiss machining and tight-tolerance production, critical for modern defense applications.
The deal underscores a broader industry trend of “reshoring” and supply chain fortification, as private capital increasingly flows into the domestic manufacturing sector to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s calls for greater Supply-Chain resilience.
Kremin Inc., located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has established itself as a key player in the precision manufacturing space since its founding in 1983. The company holds AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Certifications, which are essential for contracting with major aerospace and defense primes. The acquisition provides Threadlock with a strategic foothold in the Midwest and adds specialized high-volume manufacturing capabilities to its existing operations.
Threadlock Precision is backed by the D. E. Shaw Group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than $60 billion in investment capital as of late 2025. The firm’s involvement suggests a focus on “patient capital,” prioritizing long-term operational improvements and technological modernization over quick financial exits.
Executives from both organizations emphasized the cultural and strategic alignment driving the transaction. Todd McDonald, CEO of Threadlock Precision, highlighted the specific technical strengths Kremin brings to the platform.
“Kremin’s strength in custom, tight-tolerance work aligns perfectly with our mission to build a preferred precision manufacturing network.”
Todd McDonald, CEO of Threadlock Precision
Mike Grossi, President of Kremin Inc., who acquired the business in 2010 and oversaw its transformation from a tool-and-die shop to a sophisticated contract manufacturer, described the deal as a pivotal moment for the company’s future.
“[This deal is a] major milestone that provides the capital and technology needed to continue raising the bar for our customers.”
Mike Grossi, President of Kremin Inc.
The acquisition of Kremin Inc. occurs against a backdrop of significant activity within the aerospace and defense (A&D) supply chain. The sector is currently characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with thousands of small-to-mid-sized machine shops providing critical components to a handful of large prime contractors.
Threadlock’s strategy involves a “buy-and-build” approach, aggregating these smaller entities to create a mid-tier supplier with the scale, financial stability, and compliance infrastructure, such as cybersecurity adherence, that large defense contractors increasingly require. This follows Threadlock’s acquisition of California-based J&F Machine in late 2025, creating a network that now spans both the West Coast and the Midwest.
The Rise of the “Industrial Accelerator”
We observe that the entry of the D. E. Shaw Group into this space signals a shift in how private equity interacts with the defense industrial base. Unlike traditional leveraged buyouts that often focus on cost-cutting, the current wave of investment, often termed “patient capital,” appears focused on modernization. By injecting capital into firms like Kremin, platforms like Threadlock can finance expensive automation and digital integration that smaller “mom-and-pop” shops cannot afford on their own.
Competitive Landscape
Threadlock is not alone in this strategy. The market for acquiring high-quality precision machine shops is becoming increasingly competitive. We note that Threadlock is vying for assets against established platforms such as: Why This Matters
From our perspective, this acquisition is more than a financial transaction; it is a reflection of the “Great Consolidation” of the U.S. defense supply chain. As geopolitical instability drives the need for domestic production capacity, the ability to rapidly scale production of precision components is becoming a matter of national security. Threadlock’s expansion suggests that the market anticipates sustained demand for domestic manufacturing through the remainder of the decade.
Sources: PR Newswire (Threadlock Precision)
Threadlock Precision Acquires Kremin Inc. to Bolster U.S. Defense Supply Chain
Transaction Overview and Strategic Fit
Leadership Commentary
Market Context: The Push for Consolidation
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Threadlock Precision
MRO & Manufacturing
Lee Air Acquires Advent Aircraft Systems Expanding Braking Tech in Wichita
Lee Air acquires Advent Aircraft Systems, relocating manufacturing to Wichita and adding eABS™ and ePBS™ braking systems for aviation and UAS markets.
This article is based on an official press release from Advent Aircraft Systems and Lee Air, Inc.
Wichita-based aerospace manufacturers Lee Air, Inc. has officially acquired the assets of Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc., a move that transfers significant anti-skid braking technology and manufacturing operations to the “Air Capital of the World.” The acquisition, which closed on December 31, 2025, was announced on January 8, 2026.
According to the company’s announcement, all manufacturing and engineering operations previously based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will relocate to Lee Air’s 85,000-square-foot facility in Wichita, Kansas. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Lee Air, adding proprietary braking solutions for both general aviation and the rapidly growing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) market to its portfolio.
Lee Air, Inc., a family-owned firm founded in 1981, is well-established in the engineering and manufacturing of aircraft systems. By acquiring Advent, the company integrates a specialized product line that includes the eABS™ (anti-skid braking system) and ePBS™ (electric power braking system).
In a press statement regarding the acquisition, Bennie Lee, President of Lee Air, emphasized the synergy between the two companies:
“The Lee Air team is enthusiastic about the addition of the Advent products to our established line of aircraft systems and components. We look forward to offering our existing and new customers this additional capability for their manned and uncrewed aircraft.”
Ken Goldsmith, President of Advent Aircraft Systems, noted that the deal provides the necessary infrastructure to scale production:
“The transaction with Lee Air is intended to help Advent’s aircraft braking systems and components realize their full market potential and confidently meet increased production rates in the coming years.”
The acquisition centers on two primary technologies developed by Advent. The most prominent is the eABS™, a GPS/digital anti-skid system designed for turbine aircraft up to 20,000 lbs. Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).
Unlike traditional hydraulic systems that require complex power boosters, the eABS is compatible with manual braking systems. It is currently certified for platforms including the Beechcraft King Air (B200/B300), Pilatus PC-12, Eclipse 500/550, and Textron T-6 Texan II. Key benefits cited in product documentation include: Additionally, the deal positions Lee Air to capture market share in the defense and unmanned sectors through the Advent ePBS™. This “brake-by-wire” solution is designed specifically for UAS and all-electric aircraft, sectors where demand for lightweight, digitally controlled braking systems is projected to rise.
This acquisition reflects a broader trend of supply chain consolidation within the general aviation sector. By absorbing Advent’s specialized technology, Lee Air moves beyond component manufacturing into proprietary safety systems, capturing high-value aftermarket revenue through retrofits.
Furthermore, the relocation of operations from Tulsa to Wichita reinforces the latter’s status as a central hub for aerospace engineering. Proximity to major OEMs like Textron Aviation, which manufactures the King Air and T-6 Texan II platforms that utilize Advent’s brakes, likely offers Lee Air logistical advantages and closer collaboration opportunities for future certification.
Who is the acquiring company? What happens to Advent’s Tulsa operations? Does this affect existing Advent customers?
Lee Air, Inc. Acquires Advent Aircraft Systems, Consolidating Braking Tech in Wichita
Strategic Expansion of Capabilities
Technology Focus: Safety and UAS Integration
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee Air, Inc., a Wichita-based engineering and manufacturing firm founded in 1981. It is distinct from “Lee Aerospace,” another aviation company in the region.
Advent’s manufacturing and engineering operations are being relocated to Lee Air’s facility in Wichita, Kansas.
The press release indicates that the acquisition is intended to meet increased production rates and support existing customers with the same product lines, now backed by Lee Air’s manufacturing infrastructure.
Sources
Photo Credit: Advent Aircraft Systems – Montage
MRO & Manufacturing
SunExpress and Lufthansa Technik Sign Five-Year Engine MRO Agreement
SunExpress and Lufthansa Technik enter a five-year contract for maintenance of Boeing 737 CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines from 2026 to 2031.
This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Technik and additional industry data.
SunExpress, the joint venture airline established by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has officially secured the long-term operational stability of its Boeing 737 fleet through a new five-year agreement with Lufthansa Technik. Announced on January 15, 2026, the exclusive contract covers maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for both the carrier’s legacy and next-generation engine types.
According to the joint announcement, the agreement spans from 2026 through 2031. It is designed to address the complex “dual-fleet” requirements of modern aviation, covering the CFM56-7B engines that power the airline’s established Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) fleet, as well as the LEAP-1B engines utilized by its expanding Boeing 737-8 (MAX) fleet.
This strategic move ensures that SunExpress retains access to premium MRO slots during a period of high industry demand. The work will primarily be conducted at Lufthansa Technik’s main engine workshops in Hamburg, Germany, with additional support provided by XEOS, a specialized facility in Poland.
The contract represents a comprehensive support package tailored to an airline in the midst of a significant fleet transition. Lufthansa Technik has confirmed that the scope of work includes full overhauls, performance restoration shop visits, and “quick turn” surgical repairs designed to minimize downtime.
Despite the industry’s gradual shift toward newer aircraft, the CFM56-7B remains a workhorse for SunExpress. With global supply chain issues delaying the delivery of new jets across the sector, airlines are flying older aircraft longer than originally planned. This agreement secures critical shop capacity for the CFM56-7B, ensuring the 737-800 fleet remains reliable through the end of the decade.
Simultaneously, the deal covers the LEAP-1B engines for the Boeing 737 MAX. As SunExpress integrates these more fuel-efficient aircraft, having ordered up to 90 MAX jets in late 2023, the need for specialized next-gen maintenance is rising. Lufthansa Technik noted that this agreement validates their early investment in LEAP capabilities, including the ramp-up of operations at their XEOS facility in Środa Śląska, Poland.
Both companies emphasized the strategic importance of securing maintenance capacity for both engine generations simultaneously. Cemil Sayar, Chief Operating Officer of SunExpress, highlighted the focus on reliability. “This strategic partnership reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of reliability and performance across our Boeing 737 fleet. By covering both our legacy CFM56-7B engines and the latest-generation LEAP-1B engines, the agreement supports our fleet development while ensuring high-quality MRO services.”
, Cemil Sayar, COO of SunExpress
Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik, noted the unique market dynamics requiring support for overlapping technologies.
“The rollover to the latest-generation types such as the LEAP-1B engine is progressing steadily, but its venerable CFM56-7B predecessor is also still going strong and creating demand for MRO capacity. Thus, we are pleased that we can offer SunExpress our enormous expertise for both generations of Boeing 737 powerplants.”
, Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik
At AirPro News, we observe that this agreement underscores a critical trend in the 2026 aviation landscape: the “dual-fleet” challenge. Airlines are no longer simply swapping old planes for new ones; they are operating them in parallel for extended periods due to manufacturer delivery delays.
Industry data suggests that shop visits for the legacy CFM56-7B are peaking, with forecasts predicting approximately 1,900 visits annually through 2026. By locking in a five-year exclusive deal with a top-tier provider like Lufthansa Technik, SunExpress is effectively insulating itself from the capacity crunches affecting the broader MRO market. Furthermore, the inclusion of the LEAP-1B engines ensures that the airline’s sustainability goals, driven by the 15-20% fuel efficiency gains of the MAX fleet, are not compromised by maintenance bottlenecks.
SunExpress was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. It operates as a leisure carrier connecting Europe with Turkey and other holiday destinations. As of early 2026, the airline operates an all-Boeing fleet comprising over 60 737-800s and a rapidly growing number of 737-8 MAX aircraft, targeting a total fleet size of approximately 150 aircraft in the coming decade.
Lufthansa Technik is the world’s leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. A subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, the company reported revenues of approximately €6.5 billion in 2023. While it shares a parent company with SunExpress, this agreement is a commercial contract that reinforces Lufthansa Technik’s competitive position in the open MRO market.
What engines are covered by this agreement? The agreement covers the CFM56-7B (powering the Boeing 737-800 NG) and the LEAP-1B (powering the Boeing 737-8 MAX).
Where will the maintenance take place?
The primary work will be conducted at Lufthansa Technik’s facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Overflow and specialized LEAP work may also be handled at the XEOS facility in Poland.
How long does the contract last?
The exclusive agreement is valid for five years, running from 2026 through 2031.
SunExpress and Lufthansa Technik Seal “Cross-Generational” Engine Support Deal
Scope of the Five-Year Agreement
Supporting the Legacy Fleet
Enabling the Next Generation
Executive Commentary
Strategic Context
AirPro News Analysis: The Dual-Fleet Challenge
Company Backgrounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
MRO & Manufacturing
Citadel Aviation Secures 13 VIP Aircraft Projects with Starlink Integration
Citadel Aviation starts 2026 with 13 VIP aircraft projects focusing on Starlink high-speed connectivity and avionics upgrades at its Louisiana facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Citadel Aviation.
Citadel Aviation, the Lake Charles-based maintenance and completions provider formerly known as Citadel Completions, has announced a significant surge in activity to begin the 2026 fiscal year. According to a company press release issued on January 16, the firm secured 13 new VIP Private-Jets projects in the month of January alone. This influx of Contracts follows closely on the heels of the company’s strategic rebranding on January 9, signaling a renewed focus on advanced technology integration alongside its traditional luxury interior services.
The newly awarded projects encompass a mix of elite, privatized narrow-body and wide-body commercial-sized aircraft. The company stated that the scope of work for these contracts emphasizes high-speed connectivity upgrades and Avionics modernization, reflecting a broader industry trend where in-flight data speeds are becoming as critical as cabin comfort.
A central pillar of Citadel Aviation’s 2026 strategy involves the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. The company confirmed in its announcement that it is acting as an authorized dealer for Starlink Business Aviation products. Unlike legacy Geostationary (GEO) systems, the Starlink integration allows for high-speed internet (up to 220 Mbps) with low latency (under 20ms), enabling capabilities such as 4K streaming and real-time video conferencing that were previously challenging on private aircraft.
The 13 new projects reportedly involve the installation of these satellite terminals on fuselage exteriors, as well as upgrades to cabin management systems. The aircraft slated for these modifications include major commercial platforms often converted for VVIP use, such as the Boeing 737, 747, and 777, as well as the Airbus A320, A330, and A350 families.
Beyond the installation of connectivity suites, Citadel Aviation is expanding its maintenance capabilities. The press release highlights an enhancement of the company’s Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support services, which now include 24/7 mobile repair teams designed to minimize downtime for clients.
Noel Christen, Vice President of Operations at Citadel Aviation, commented on the company’s rapid start to the year in the official statement:
“Starting the year with such strong momentum highlights our team’s exceptional technical expertise and the trust our clients place in us. Aligned with our CEO Greg Colgan’s vision, we are dedicated to transforming the industry by combining unmatched technical proficiency with earned credibility, built on transparency and a highly personalized customer experience.”
These new contracts will be executed at Citadel Aviation’s headquarters at Chennault International Airport (KCWF) in Louisiana. The facility features 260,000 square feet of hangar and industrial space and utilizes a 10,700-foot runway capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in operation, including the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. The surge in business validates the company’s recent pivot. Founded in 2018 by the late Sheldon G. Adelson and his family, the company operated as Citadel Completions until its rebranding earlier this month. Under the leadership of CEO Greg Colgan, the firm has moved to position itself as a full-service provider that integrates Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) with high-tech engineering solutions.
The announcement of 13 simultaneous projects for a single facility in one month is a notable indicator of the health of the VVIP aftermarket sector. Specifically, it underscores the “Connected Cabin” revolution. As Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and heads of state increasingly treat their aircraft as flying offices, the tolerance for sub-par internet connectivity has evaporated.
Citadel’s aggressive move to secure authorized dealer status for Starlink places it in a competitive position against other major completion centers like Jet Aviation and Lufthansa Technik. By prioritizing LEO satellite installations on large commercial airframes, Citadel is addressing a specific bottleneck in the market: owners of large VIP airliners who require terrestrial-grade bandwidth to maintain operations while airborne.
Citadel Aviation Secures 13 VIP Projects in January, Pushing Connectivity Focus
Focus on Connectivity and Starlink Integration
Operational Expansion and Support
Facility Capabilities and Rebranding Context
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Citadel Aviation
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