Kellstrom Defense Acquires TAVCO Inc.

Kellstrom Defense Aerospace (KDA) has completed the acquisition of TAVCO, Inc. (TAVCO) based in Chatsworth, California.

TAVCO was founded in 1959 as a designer and manufacturer of proprietary pneumatic controls and pressure vessels for the aerospace and defense market. The TAVCO product line, engineering design data, and manufacturing capabilities will become part of the current KDA Engineered Products operating segment and retain the TAVCO brand identity in the market.

탭코 is a long-term OEM manufacturer of specialty pneumatics devices for legacy military aircraft and helicopter platforms, including the F15, F16, C-130, P-3, and SH-60, and it has additional products for numerous other aviation platforms.

Over its more than 60 years, TAVCO has developed a range of proprietary designs for manufacturing complex high-pressure pneumatic controls and pressure vessels and strong capabilities for specialty welding, CNC machining, and the integration of aerospace and defense components. Thousands of TAVCO pneumatics systems are installed worldwide, and there is an ongoing demand for new OEM production and aftermarket spares/services for the global operator community.

KDA CEO Chris Celtruda comments, “The addition of TAVCO to our group of companies adds a strong installed base of proprietary equipment aligned with our focus on providing service and sustainment for global military aircraft operators. We expect to invest in the current TAVCO Chatsworth, California location to improve capability and ensure that OEM and aftermarket customers receive the highest quality and customer service.”

“I am excited to leave the business in the hands of the Kellstrom Defense team for the next chapter of the TAVCO growth story,” comments TAVCO owner Jeffry Jae. “It is important that the legacy of the business that my father, Ellwood Jae, founded and that I have spent over 50 years serving is transitioned into the future.”

KDA was represented by Christine Shin and Jacob Agi of the Los Angeles-based law firm Russ August & Kabat to complete the purchase agreement for this exclusive transaction, which was originated by the KDA internal deal team. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

About Kellstrom Defense Aerospace, Inc.

Kellstrom Defense Aerospace, Inc. (“KDA”) is a respected global leader for legacy military aviation and defense aircraft sustainment, deploying an experienced team and complete capabilities to solve customer challenges, with a focus on OEM strategic distribution, component repair services, and the manufacture of engineered products for military transports, fighter, and rotary-wing platforms. KDA is headquartered in El Segundo, California and serves the US military and customers in over 60 partnering nations. Current operating locations include Camarillo, CA; Miramar, FL; Macon, GA; Chula Vista, CA; Cambridge, UK; Windsor, AU; Singapore; United Arab Emirates; and Indonesia. KDA is committed to compliance, with hundreds of active export licenses and dedicated contract, export, and security personnel.

In 2020, AllClear Aerospace & Defense brought together two leading companies, Aero Precision and Kellstrom Defense. With over 55 years of defense aircraft experience, AllClear is the industry’s leading provider of mission-ready aviation MRO and aerospace aftermarket services, providing excellence to the U.S. military and its allies.