RTC Aerospace Acquires Automatic Products Co. in Washington

RTC Aerospace announced on June 2, 2026, the acquisition of Washington-based Automatic Products Co., marking the largest expansion in the manufacturer’s history and its third acquisition since partnering with Stellex Capital Management in 2022.

The transaction, detailed in a company press release, adds a 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sumner, Washington, to the RTC Aerospace (RTCA) portfolio. Automatic Products Co. (APC) specializes in precision milling, turning components, and mechanical assemblies utilizing advanced materials such as Inconel, titanium, and stainless steel for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Strategic expansion and capacity growth

The acquisition is designed to increase RTCA’s production capacity to meet growing demand across mission-critical industries. APC founder and president Joel Gregory noted that the partnership will enhance the combined strengths of both organizations as customer requirements scale upward.

“The team at APC welcomes our new partners at RTCA and is proud to join in its mission to provide high-quality products and customer service to our valued customers,” Gregory stated.

RTCA leadership views the integration of APC as a foundational step for future scaling. Daniel Schuerman, chief financial officer of RTCA, described the acquisition as a milestone in a multi-year strategy to build a platform capable of serving highly technical aerospace and defense programs. Schuerman added that the investment creates a stronger organization expected to support growing customer needs across the value chain.

Private equity backing and sector consolidation

The APC acquisition represents the third such transaction for RTCA since the company joined the Stellex Capital Management platform in 2022. Stellex has actively supported RTCA’s expansion strategy within the aerospace and defense manufacturing supply-chain, providing the capital required to execute large-scale integrations.

“RTCA has grown into a well-regarded manufacturer across the aerospace and defense industries, and we believe this partnership with APC enhances RTCA’s position as a provider of highly technical manufacturing and engineering solutions,” said Catherine DeMarco, principal at Stellex.

The move aligns with broader industry trends of consolidation among lower-tier aerospace suppliers. Prime contractors and major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly rely on scaled, well-capitalized partners to manage complex material requirements and sustain high production rates without supply chain interruptions.

AirPro News analysis

We view RTCA’s acquisition of APC as a textbook example of private equity’s current playbook in the aerospace supply chain. By acquiring a facility with established capabilities in difficult-to-machine materials like Inconel and titanium, RTCA is positioning itself to capture higher-margin work in the defense and space sectors. Furthermore, the 120,000-square-foot footprint in Washington state places the expanded company in close geographic proximity to major Pacific Northwest aerospace manufacturing hubs, potentially streamlining logistics for key regional customers and insulating the company against broader supply chain volatility.

Sources: Business Wire