Press Releases

Piqua, Ohio – September 30, 2010. Tailwind Technologies Inc., the parent company of Hartzell Propeller Inc., has purchased assets from Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems, LLC, of Montgomery, Alabama. Price of the transaction was not disclosed.

The new Tailwind-owned company will be named Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC., and will be led by Mike Disbrow who also currently serves as senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Hartzell Propeller in Piqua, Ohio. Disbrow has over 20 years experience in the general aviation industry.

The acquisition of the Energy Systems assets of Kelly Aerospace continues Tailwind’s aggressive growth strategy through the formation of a new business with a broad suite of engine and aircraft accessories. Hartzell Engine Technologies’ product line will include turbocharger systems, alternators, starters, Janitrol Heaters, fuel pumps, oil filters, ignition harnesses, magnetos, voltage regulators and MCUs and a large range of other electrical components, primarily serving piston-engine general aviation and military aircraft, as well as piston and turbine engine helicopters. In combination with Hartzell Propeller, Tailwind now has an even stronger offering of engineered products for the general aviation market.

Hartzell Engine Technologies will be based in Montgomery, Alabama. Customers include major piston engine manufacturers, airframers and distributors worldwide.

Jeff Kelly, currently president of Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems, has agreed to continue with Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC, as Executive Vice President reporting to Mike Disbrow. Kent Kelly, Kelly Aerospace’s founder and chairman, will also continue with Hartzell Engine Technologies in order to ensure a successful transition from Kelly Aerospace.

James W. Brown III, president of Tailwind Technologies, said, “Adding Hartzell Engine Technologies to our group of aircraft supplier companies is an exciting new step for Tailwind in the general aviation market. Acquiring these assets from Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems will allow us to grow our “firewall forward” suite of products.”

Hartzell Engine Technologies’ Mike Disbrow, said, “Creating Hartzell Engine Technologies complements our already strong position in the general aviation market, allowing us to share customers and platforms with Hartzell Propeller Inc.

“As with Hartzell Propeller, we expect Hartzell Engine Technologies to be known for well engineered, high quality products delivered with superior customer service,” he added.

Tailwind Technologies Inc. is the parent company of Hartzell Propeller Inc., Mayday Manufacturing Company and Industrial Tube Company, Electrofilm Manufacturing Company and AcousticFab LLC, collectively Hartzell Aerospace. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, the company buys and operates value-added manufacturing businesses in general aviation, aerospace and industrial sectors with a long-term hold strategy.

For more information about Hartzell Engine Technologies, visit www.hartzellenginetech.com.