This article is based on an official press release from Mecadaq Group.

Mecadaq Group Acquires Echeverria and Lopez to Accelerate Aerospace Supply Chain Consolidation

Mecadaq Group, a specialist in high-precision aerospace manufacturing with operations in France and the United States, has announced the acquisitions of two strategic companies: Echeverria and Lopez. The announcement, made on January 21, 2026, marks the first major expansion for the group since the investment firm CAPZA became its majority shareholder in July 2025.

According to the company’s statement, these acquisitions are part of an aggressive “buy-and-build” strategy designed to consolidate the fragmented aerospace supply chain. By integrating these new entities, Mecadaq aims to diversify its capabilities beyond airframe manufacturing into interiors and engine maintenance. The group has set a financial target to achieve over €150 million in annual revenue by 2030.

Strategic Acquisitions: Echeverria and Lopez

The two acquired companies bring distinct specializations that broaden Mecadaq’s service portfolio and strengthen its local footprint in southwest France.

Echeverria: Expanding into Interiors

Located in Hendaye, France, Echeverria specializes in the precision machining and assembly of complex components for aircraft seats and cabins. This acquisition opens a new vertical for Mecadaq in the “Interiors” market. The company notes that Echeverria is a key supplier for Airbus Atlantic, providing structures for pilot seats and cabin frameworks.

Lopez: Establishing an MRO Division

The second acquisition, Lopez, is based in Tarnos, France, near Mecadaq’s headquarters. Lopez focuses on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter engines. Their capabilities include grinding, lapping, hydraulic testing, and compliance restoration for critical parts. According to Mecadaq, this move establishes a dedicated division for engine maintenance and reinforces the group’s relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines, a long-standing partner of Lopez.

Financial Backing and Long-Term Strategy

This expansion is fueled by Mecadaq’s new financial structure following the entry of CAPZA as the majority shareholder in mid-2025. The investment firm’s Flex Equity strategy replaced the previous backer, Activa Capital. Additionally, Mecadaq President Julien Dubecq and his management team have reinvested in the transaction, signaling a long-term commitment to the group’s growth.

“The aerospace supply chain remains highly fragmented. Mecadaq’s strategy is to act as a consolidator, acquiring smaller, specialized firms to increase ‘share of wallet’ with major OEMs.”

, Summary of Mecadaq Group Strategy

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The group’s ambition is to triple its size relative to its 2018-2020 baseline. To reach the €150 million revenue target by 2030, Mecadaq plans to pursue a mix of organic growth and further acquisitions across Europe and the United States.

AirPro News Analysis

The acquisition of Echeverria and Lopez highlights a critical trend in the aerospace sector: the consolidation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. As major OEMs like Airbus and Boeing ramp up production rates, smaller suppliers often face pressure to scale operations and maintain financial resilience. By absorbing specialized firms, mid-sized groups like Mecadaq can offer a more robust, multi-service value proposition,ranging from manufacturing to maintenance,thereby securing their positions as critical partners in the global supply chain.

Company Profile and Global Footprint

Headquartered in Tarnos, France, Mecadaq Group employs approximately 350 people (prior to these recent acquisitions). The company specializes in high-precision machining, including turning, milling, and gear shaping, for the aerospace and defense sectors.

Mecadaq operates a transatlantic model to serve major industrial hubs:

• France: Facilities in Tarnos, Marignier, Chanteloup-les-Vignes, Pessac, and now Hendaye.
• United States: A facility in Kirkland, Washington, strategically located near Boeing’s assembly lines.

The company’s client roster includes major industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran, Thales, and Spirit AeroSystems. Mecadaq produces parts for key commercial programs like the A320, B737, A350, and B787, as well as the Rafale defense program.

Sources

• Mecadaq Group

This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft Selects Comtronic GmbH for D328eco Overhead Panels

Deutsche Aircraft has officially announced the selection of Comtronic GmbH to supply the complete overhead panel for the D328eco cockpit. According to the company’s press release, this partnership marks a significant step in the development of the 40-seat regional turboprop, ensuring that the flight deck meets modern ergonomic and technical standards.

The agreement tasks Comtronic, a subsidiary of the French industrial group MAFELEC Team, with delivering a “turnkey” solution. This includes the design and manufacturing of illuminated panels, sub-panels, and custom control units tailored specifically for the D328eco’s avionics suite. The selection underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s focus on securing a robust, regional supply chain for its flagship program, which targets entry into service in late 2027.

Scope of the Partnership

Under the terms of the agreement, Comtronic GmbH will provide a comprehensive suite of cockpit interface solutions. Based in Schönau, Germany, the supplier brings nearly 50 years of aerospace experience to the project. The scope of supply involves advanced optical and photometric engineering designed to ensure uniform illumination and anti-glare performance, critical factors for pilot situational awareness.

The overhead panel is a vital component of the cockpit, housing controls for essential systems such as fuel, electrical power, and bleed air. Deutsche Aircraft notes that the new panels will be optimized for both day and night readability, integrating Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility where necessary.

Gilles Heinrich, President of the MAFELEC Team, commented on the collaboration in the official release:

“This contract reflects the strong alignment between our organizations and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for the aerospace industry.”

The components will undergo rigorous qualification testing to meet aerospace standards, including RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD requirements, ensuring they can withstand the vibration and temperature extremes inherent in regional flight operations.

Modernizing the D328 Platform

The D328eco is an advanced modernization of the legacy Dornier 328 platform. While it retains the proven aerodynamic characteristics of its predecessor, the new aircraft features a fuselage stretched by approximately two meters to accommodate 40 passengers. A key element of this modernization is the transition to a fully digital glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G5000 avionics suite.

Comtronic’s contribution is essential to this digital transition. While the avionics suite handles flight data and navigation, the overhead panel remains the physical interface for systems management. By integrating modern “Human-Machine Interface” (HMI) technology, the new panel is designed to reduce pilot cognitive load. This aligns with the aircraft’s broader operational goals, which include future single-pilot capability, although initial certification is planned for two pilots.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Supply Chain Localization
The selection of Comtronic GmbH highlights a strategic move by Deutsche Aircraft to insulate the D328eco program from global supply-chain volatility. By choosing a German supplier located in Schönau, the manufacturer shortens logistics chains and ensures closer engineering collaboration. In an era where aerospace production is frequently bottlenecked by parts shortages, relying on established regional partners like Comtronic, backed by the larger MAFELEC Team, reduces risk for the 2027 delivery timeline.

Bridging Legacy and Digital
Integrating a physical overhead panel with a digital Garmin G5000 suite represents a specific engineering challenge: blending tactile reliability with digital sophistication. We observe that this partnership emphasizes the industry’s focus on “tactile ergonomics.” Even in glass cockpits, pilots rely on physical switches for critical systems to build muscle memory. Comtronic’s expertise in high-uniformity lighting ensures that these physical controls remain distinct and readable, preventing mode confusion during complex operations.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

The D328eco is engineered to be a leader in sustainability for the regional sector. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, the aircraft is designed to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The efficiency of these engines, combined with the advanced cockpit systems, aims to lower operating costs and emissions compared to older regional jets and turboprops.

Comtronic’s panels contribute to this ecosystem by adhering to strict weight and power consumption standards, which are critical for maximizing the efficiency of the aircraft. The supplier’s ability to deliver NVIS-compatible lighting also suggests that Deutsche Aircraft is positioning the D328eco for versatility, potentially serving in special mission roles (such as search and rescue) in addition to commercial passenger transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop developed by Deutsche Aircraft. It is a modernized, sustainable version of the Dornier 328, featuring new engines, a stretched fuselage, and a digital cockpit.

Who is Comtronic GmbH?
Comtronic GmbH is a German aerospace supplier based in Schönau and a member of the French MAFELEC Team. They specialize in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, including illuminated panels and control units.

When will the D328eco enter service?
Deutsche Aircraft targets late 2027 for the D328eco’s entry into service (EIS).

Why is the overhead panel important?
The overhead panel contains physical controls for critical aircraft systems like fuel, hydraulics, and power. Its design impacts pilot workload, safety, and ease of operation, particularly in low-light or high-stress conditions.

Sources

• Deutsche Aircraft Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Jamco Corporation.

Jamco Corporation Acquires Schüschke to Balance Boeing–Airbus Portfolio

On January 19, 2026, Jamco Corporation, a leading Japanese aircraft interiors manufacturer, announced its Acquisitions of Schüschke GmbH & Co. KG, a German specialist in solid-surface washbasins and lavatory components. The transaction, expected to close in February 2026, marks a significant strategic pivot for Jamco as it seeks to diversify its customer base beyond its traditional stronghold with Boeing.

According to the official announcement, the acquisition facilitates Jamco’s expansion into the Airbus supply chain, where Schüschke holds a dominant position. The deal is the latest in a series of aggressive moves by Jamco’s parent company, Bain Capital, which took the Japanese manufacturer private in 2025. By integrating Schüschke’s specialized manufacturing capabilities, Jamco aims to solidify its status as a global platform for cabin interiors.

The acquisition sees the exit of Silver Investment Partners (SIP), which has held Schüschke since 2015. While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal involves high-profile advisory teams, including Seabury Securities and CMS for Jamco, and Steen Associates for the sellers.

Strategic Rationale: Bridging the OEM Divide

The primary driver behind this acquisition appears to be the immediate diversification of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) exposure. Jamco has historically been deeply aligned with Boeing, currently holding status as the sole supplier of lavatories for all Boeing wide-body aircraft, including the 787, 777, and 777X programs. Industry data indicates Jamco holds approximately 50% of the global market share in lavatories and 40% in galleys.

In contrast, Schüschke is heavily integrated into the Airbus ecosystem. The German manufacturer supplies washbasins and interior components for the A320, A330, A350, and A380 families. According to the transaction report, Schüschke commands an 83% market share in new-build programs for Airbus. By acquiring Schüschke, Jamco instantly reduces its reliance on Boeing’s production cycles and gains a foothold in the high-volume Airbus narrow-body market.

Technology and Product Synergies

Beyond market access, the deal centers on material science. Schüschke is the proprietor of Varicor®, a solid-surface material prized for being lightweight, fire-retardant, and highly customizable. Integrating this technology into Jamco’s broader product portfolio allows for the development of lighter, more durable lavatory and galley solutions, a critical requirement for Airlines focused on reducing fuel burn and maintenance costs.

Bain Capital’s “Buy-and-Build” Strategy

This transaction highlights the rapid consolidation strategy employed by Bain Capital since it acquired Jamco in mid-2025. The private equity firm appears to be building a comprehensive “super-supplier” in the interiors sector capable of weathering Supply-Chain volatility while meeting the ramping production rates of major airframers.

The Schüschke deal represents the third major acquisition for the platform in just six months:

• September 2025: Acquisition of Aerospace Technologies Group (ATG), a U.S.-based supplier of window shade systems.
• December 2025: Agreement to acquire Iacobucci HF Aerospace, an Italian manufacturer of premium seating and galley inserts.
• January 2026: Acquisition of Schüschke.

This pattern suggests a deliberate effort to aggregate specialized Tier-2 suppliers into a robust Tier-1 entity with global reach and a diversified product catalog.

AirPro News Analysis

The consolidation of the aerospace supply chain is accelerating, driven by the need for resilience. For decades, the interiors market was fragmented, with numerous “Hidden Champions” like Schüschke dominating specific niches. However, the post-pandemic ramp-up has exposed the fragility of smaller suppliers. By rolling these companies up under the Jamco umbrella, Bain Capital is creating an entity with the balance sheet and operational scale to guarantee delivery to Airbus and Boeing.

Furthermore, the “premiumization” of air travel is driving demand for bespoke interiors. Schüschke’s reputation for high-finish, customizable washbasins aligns perfectly with Jamco’s push into premium business class seating. We anticipate that Jamco will leverage Schüschke’s design capabilities to offer more cohesive, high-end lavatory and galley packages to premium carriers, potentially bundling these with their “Venture” line of business class seats.

Transaction Advisors

The complexity of cross-border M&A in the aerospace sector requires significant legal and financial oversight. The following advisors were listed in the transaction details:

• For Jamco Corporation: Seabury Securities (Financial), CMS (Legal), PwC (Financial/Tax).
• For the Seller (SIP): Steen Associates (Financial), Bruski Smeets & Lange (Legal).

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the deal close?
The transaction is expected to close in February 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

What is Schüschke’s main product?
Schüschke specializes in washbasins and lavatory fittings made from Varicor®, a proprietary solid-surface material known for its durability and lightweight properties.

Who owned Schüschke previously?
The company was owned by Silver Investment Partners (SIP), an independent equity finance investor, which acquired the firm in December 2015.

Does this affect Jamco’s relationship with Boeing?
There is no indication that this negatively impacts Jamco’s standing with Boeing. Rather, it balances the company’s portfolio, reducing risk by ensuring strong revenue streams from both major airframers.

Sources

• Jamco Corporation