This article is based on an official press release from Velocity One.

Velocity One Expands Aerospace Platform with Acquisitions of Kaney Aerospace

On February 24, 2026, Velocity One announced the completion of its acquisition of Kaney Aerospace, a Rockford, Illinois-based provider of high-performance engineering and Manufacturing solutions. Backed by private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, Velocity One is utilizing this transaction to integrate Kaney’s specialized capabilities in electromechanical actuation and motion control into its broader aerospace and defense portfolio.

According to the company’s official statement, this acquisition represents a strategic effort to diversify Velocity One’s technical offerings. By bringing Kaney Aerospace into the fold, the platform aims to strengthen its position as a comprehensive provider of mission-critical subsystems for the aerospace, defense, and medical markets. The deal specifically targets growth opportunities in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, where Kaney has established early adoption of its servo and autopilot technologies.

Strategic Rationale and Deal Structure

The acquisition aligns with Velocity One’s Strategy to aggregate specialized Tier 2 and Tier 3 manufacturers into a unified platform. Kaney Aerospace joins three existing operating units within the Velocity One structure, Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD), EMCORE Corporation, and Aerosphere Power.

In the press release, the company highlighted that Kaney’s expertise in motion control fills a specific gap in the platform’s existing capabilities, which previously focused on energetic devices, inertial navigation, and power electronics. The transaction was supported by RBC Capital Markets, acting as the sell-side financial advisor for Kaney, and Foley & Lardner LLP, which served as legal counsel for Velocity One.

Leadership Commentary

Executives from both organizations emphasized the complementary nature of the merger. John Borduin, CEO of Velocity One, stated that the move is a critical step in building a scaled, differentiated platform.

“The addition of Kaney Aerospace marks an important step in our strategy to build Velocity One into a scaled, differentiated aerospace and defense platform. Kaney brings deep technical experience, longstanding customer relationships, and a strong track record in highly engineered actuation and power solutions.”

John Borduin, CEO of Velocity One

Jeffrey J. Kaney, Sr., CEO of Kaney Aerospace, noted that the financial backing from Velocity One would accelerate research and development efforts.

“Velocity One’s financial backing and leadership strengthen our ability to fund breakthrough R&D and advance higher-performance products that meet the evolving needs of aerospace and defense customers.”

Jeffrey J. Kaney, Sr., CEO of Kaney Aerospace

Company Profiles and Market Focus

Velocity One

Headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, Velocity One operates as a holding company designed to acquire and grow specialized aerospace businesses. Its portfolio includes:

• EMCORE Corporation: A provider of inertial navigation systems, acquired in March 2025.
• Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD): A manufacturer of energetic and pyrotechnic devices.
• Aerosphere Power: A specialist in aircraft power electronics.

Kaney Aerospace

Kaney Aerospace operates out of Rockford, Illinois, and maintains a diverse portfolio of engineering services and manufacturing capabilities. The company’s core competencies include autopilot actuation systems, cockpit instrumentation, and “Iron Bird” test rigs for system integration. Additionally, Kaney operates an FAA Part 145 and EASA-certified repair station.

Beyond traditional aerospace and defense, Kaney has diversified into the medical device market, providing precision gearing for surgical tools. This diversification offers a revenue stream that is distinct from the cyclical commercial aviation market.

AirPro News Analysis

Consolidation in the Supply Chain
This acquisition reflects a continuing trend in the aerospace supply chain where private equity-backed platforms aggregate specialized manufacturers. By combining distinct but complementary entities like EMCORE, CAD, and now Kaney, Velocity One can potentially lower overhead costs and increase bargaining power with prime contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

The Shift to Electrification
The inclusion of Kaney Aerospace positions Velocity One to capitalize on the industry’s “More Electric Aircraft” (MEA) initiative. Kaney’s focus on electromechanical actuation, technology that replaces traditional heavy hydraulic systems, is critical for the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. As the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector matures, demand for lightweight, high-reliability electric servos and actuators is expected to rise, validating the strategic logic behind this acquisition.

Sources: Newswire (Velocity One Press Release)

This article is based on an official press release from DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff.

DELO and Böllhoff Unveil 8-Second Curing Fastener for Aerospace Interiors

In a move designed to accelerate aircraft production and reduce cabin weight, German manufacturers DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff have announced a strategic partnership to adapt the ONSERT® fastening technology for the aerospace sector. The collaboration, detailed in a joint press release issued on February 19, 2026, introduces a bonding solution that reportedly cures in under eight seconds, significantly outpacing traditional epoxy methods.

The new system combines Böllhoff’s transparent plastic fastening elements with DELO’s specialized PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive. According to the companies, this technology is engineered to replace conventional screws, rivets, and slow-curing liquid adhesives, addressing the industry’s dual need for lightweighting and automated assembly. The solution is scheduled to be showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg from April 14–16, 2026.

Rapid Curing for High-Volume Production

The core innovation highlighted in the announcement is the speed of the bonding process. While traditional two-part epoxies often require minutes or hours to reach handling strength, the DELO PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive is designed to cure in approximately eight seconds using UV or visible light irradiation. This capability is intended to facilitate robotic “pick-and-place” assembly, moving aerospace manufacturing closer to the high-speed efficiency standards seen in the automotive industry.

Sebastian Stasch, Product Manager for Industrial Solutions at DELO, emphasized the transfer of this technology from automotive to aerospace applications:

“Our light-curing adhesives have been successfully established in the automotive industry for years. Now they also enable efficient manufacturing processes with short cycle times and great freedom of design in the aerospace industry.”

Technical specifications provided by the manufacturers indicate that despite the rapid cure time, the adhesive maintains high structural integrity. The bond reportedly achieves a compression shear strength of approximately 20 MPa and offers high flexibility with an elongation at break of roughly 80%. This flexibility is critical for withstanding the vibrations and thermal expansion differences inherent in flight operations, with a stated operating temperature range of -40°C to +120°C.

Preserving Composite Integrity

A significant advantage of the ONSERT® system, as outlined in the release, is the elimination of drilling. Modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, rely heavily on composite materials like carbon fiber and honeycomb panels. Drilling holes into these materials can create stress concentrations, weaken the structural integrity, and generate hazardous dust.

By using a bonded fastener system, where a cable holder, clip, or stud is glued directly to the panel, manufacturers can preserve the substrate’s strength. Franz Drüke, Product Manager at Böllhoff, noted the reliability of the joint system:

“The combination of the ONSERT fastening element from Böllhoff and the DELO adhesive creates a powerful joining technology for aircraft interiors, lightweight, process-reliable and ideal for series production.”

The technology has already found a prominent adopter. According to the release, Recaro Aircraft Seating is utilizing the system in its CL6720 business class seat. Each seat requires approximately 100 attachment points for cable routing to support in-flight entertainment, power, and lighting systems. The switch to bonded fasteners contributes to weight reduction, a critical factor for fuel efficiency, and streamlines the complex assembly of seat electronics.

Regulatory Compliance

Safety remains the paramount concern in aerospace interiors. The press release confirms that the new fastening solution meets the rigorous flammability and toxicity standards required for cabin materials. Specifically, the system complies with FAR Part 25 § 25.853 (Vertical Burn Test) and meets Airbus standard ABD0031 for smoke density and toxic gas emissions.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of an 8-second curing cycle represents a significant shift for aerospace interiors. Historically, the “curing bottleneck” of traditional epoxies has limited the speed at which cabin sub-assemblies can be produced. As airlines pressure manufacturers to clear record backlogs, technologies that enable automation are becoming essential rather than optional.

Furthermore, the focus on “no-drill” solutions aligns with the broader industry push toward Net Zero 2050. By protecting the integrity of lightweight composites, manufacturers can utilize thinner, lighter panels without reinforcing drill sites, ultimately shaving kilograms off the empty weight of the aircraft. While individual fasteners save only grams, the cumulative effect across thousands of attachment points in a wide-body cabin offers measurable fuel savings over the aircraft’s lifespan.

Sources

• DELO Adhesives Press Release
• Böllhoff ONSERT Technology

This article is based on an official press release from PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Secures Strategic Titanium Powder Order from European Aerospace Research Entity

PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF), a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced plasma processes, has confirmed a significant new order for its titanium metal powder. According to an official announcement released on February 23, 2026, the order comes from a prominent “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization” based in Europe. This transaction marks a pivotal moment for the company, representing the first commercial validation of its NexGen™ plasma atomization technology by a major European research body.

The client, whose identity remains confidential, will utilize the titanium powder for Electron Beam Melting (EBM), a specialized 3D printing process used to manufacture high-performance aerospace components. This development signals PyroGenesis’ expanding footprint in the European additive manufacturing sector and highlights the versatility of its proprietary production systems.

Details of the European Order

The agreement specifies the delivery of titanium metal powder (Ti-6Al-4V, commonly known as “Ti64”). Unlike previous orders that often focused on “fine” cuts for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), this order requests a “coarse” cut with a particle size range of 45–106 µm (microns). This specific size distribution is tailored for EBM printers, which use a high-energy electron beam to fuse metal powder in a vacuum environment.

In the company’s press release, PyroGenesis emphasized the strategic nature of the client. Described as a “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization,” the entity operates similarly to national research bodies where government agencies and private aerospace leaders collaborate to advance innovation. These organizations often serve as technology gatekeepers, validating materials and processes before they are adopted by commercial aerospace manufacturers.

“This order is significant as it marks the first commercial validation of PyroGenesis’ NexGen™ plasma atomization technology by a major European research entity.”

, PyroGenesis Canada Inc. Press Release

Clarification on Client Identity

While the client is described as a “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization,” PyroGenesis has clarified that this is a description of the entity’s function rather than its specific name. Industry observers note that the client is distinct from U.S.-based defense firms with similar acronyms; the press release explicitly identifies the customer as a European organization.

Strategic Implications and Technology Validation

This order serves as a critical proof point for PyroGenesis’ NexGen™ plasma atomization system. The technology is designed to produce highly spherical, dense, and pure powders with excellent flowability, traits that are essential for preventing defects in mission-critical aerospace parts.

Expanding Beyond Fine Cuts

Historically, much of the demand for titanium powder in additive manufacturing has centered on fine cuts (15–45 µm) for laser-based systems. By securing a commercial order for the 45–106 µm coarse cut, PyroGenesis demonstrates that its NexGen™ system can effectively service the EBM market as well. This versatility allows the company to address a broader segment of the additive manufacturing industry.

Market Context

The global market for titanium powder in additive manufacturing is experiencing robust growth. Industry projections estimate the market could expand from approximately $214 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion by 2032. Titanium is classified as a “Critical Mineral” by both Canadian and U.S. governments due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it indispensable for defense and aerospace applications.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Gatekeeper” Strategy: Securing an order from a major research organization is often a precursor to larger commercial contracts. Entities like the one described by PyroGenesis typically validate materials for broader industry use. If the NexGen™ powder performs well in this R&D environment, it could clear the path for adoption by the commercial partners associated with the research organization.

Momentum in 2026: This European win follows a series of successes for PyroGenesis in the North-America market. In January 2026, the company announced a 1-tonne recurring order from a U.S. materials company, following a 3.5-tonne order in late 2025. The addition of a European client diversifies the company’s revenue base and reduces reliance on a single geographic market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Electron Beam Melting (EBM)?
EBM is a type of 3D printing that uses a high-energy electron beam to melt metal powder layer by layer. It takes place in a vacuum and at high temperatures, resulting in stress-relieved parts with material properties comparable to wrought metal. It typically requires coarser powder (45–106 µm) compared to laser-based methods.

What is NexGen™ Plasma Atomization?
NexGen™ is PyroGenesis’ proprietary technology for producing metal powders. It uses plasma torches to atomize wire feedstock into spherical powder. The company claims production rates exceeding 25 kg/hour, which offers potential cost advantages over legacy atomization methods.

Why is the client anonymous?
It is common in the aerospace and defense sectors for clients to request anonymity due to the sensitive nature of their research and development projects. The description provided suggests a high-profile entity where confidentiality is standard protocol.

Sources:
PyroGenesis Press Release