Blackland Aerospace buys Lewis Machine, adds jet engine expertise

Dallas, TX -- Blackland Aerospace, an aerospace component manufacturing unit of private equity firm Blackland Group LLC, has acquired Lewis Machine Co., East Hartford, CT, a specialist in precision-machined components in aerospace and power industries. No terms were disclosed for the deal, which is Blackland's third acquisition in 14 months.

Lewis supplies engine components for most major US fighter platforms, including the F-15, F-16, F-22, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The firm also makes engine components for most commercial airliners, including Boeing (737, 747, 767, and 777) and Airbus (A320, A330, and A380) aircraft. "Lewis Machine is an excellent addition to our portfolio, with 50 years of history manufacturing highly differentiated jet engine components," said Mike George, president of Blackland Group, in a statement.

"Using Lean Six Sigma principles to improve quality, lead time, and on-time delivery, our focus on increasing competitiveness to grow businesses will help us take Lewis Machine to the next level," said Gary Aicher, CEO of Blackland Aerospace.