“We encourage members of the aerospace community to nominate leaders who have improved business results through innovative ideas and processes,” Acorn Partner Jeff Davis announced.  “The focus on cost savings for both the private and public sectors has never been more important in the Oklahoma aerospace and defense sector as we continue to assess the impact of industry-wide budget cuts.”

“This should prove to be another exciting year for nominations as individuals in both the private and public sectors are being asked to produce better results with fewer resources,” stated Rick Nagel, Partner at Acorn.  “Oklahoma’s contributions to the aerospace and defense community are numerous and this award reflects the importance of recognizing these efforts.”

Nomination forms and submission information are accessible from the company’s website at www.acorngrowthcompanies.com.  Past award recipients include: Oklahoma Department of Commerce, CASS Polymers, Oklahoma State University Multispectral Laboratories (UML), Zivko Aeronautics, Inc., Pro-Fab, Inc., The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute, The Tulsa Technology Center, GAMI, Inc., First Wave Aviation and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities, oversees management and control of AGC Aerospace & Defense. The firm has over $100 million under management and companies across the United States, operating worldwide under its primary banner, AGC Aerospace & Defense.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense
AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact
Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications
AGC Aerospace & Defense
Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012
Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

“We continue to broaden our manufacturing capabilities so that we can provide complete business solutions to our customers, and the addition of the MISTRAS ultrasonic NDI System is will enhance our inspection service capabilities”, said Rick Hundley, President of Unitech Composites and Structures.  “This system will allow us to perform ultrasonic inspection of composite parts in-house, reducing lead times and allowing Unitech to better serve our customers.”

“Many structural composite parts require 100% instrumental NDI,” Hundley added. “The capability of this modified immersion scanning system allows us to continue to focus and improve our efforts on meeting future demand as rate production on programs like the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A-350 increase.”

Unitech designs and manufactures composite structures in commercial and military aerospace markets.  The company maintains continued commitment to innovation, quality, and flexibility towards the requirements of individual airlines and OEMs.  Unitech operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense – Composites Group

The AGC Composites Group, operating within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio, is composed of Unitech Composites, Integrated Composites, and Hill AeroSystems.  The group leverages the aggregate strength of its design, engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities derived from multiple platforms to offer cost savings and efficiencies to its customers.  The AGC Composites Group provides innovative design services, quick turnaround tooling and the ability to efficiently manufacture both low and high volume production at competitive rates.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio include: financing, engineering, integration services, manufacturing, logistics and aircraft modifications.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact

Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications
AGC Aerospace & Defense
Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012
Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

Digital Product Definition (DPD) are the electronic data elements that specify the geometry and all design requirements for a product, as well as the use of this data throughout an integrated system using computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and coordinated measurement systems (CAD/CAM).   “This new certification achievement reflects our continuing commitment to leading-edge quality and process improvement,” said Rick Hundley, President of Unitech.

Hundley added, “We aim to achieve high performance and efficiency in our business relationship with Northrop Grumman.”  To be certified and maintain accreditations such as this, companies must implement detailed control measures and processes that govern receipt, usage, and distribution of product definition datasets, both internally and externally to the enterprise.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in the aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Unitech designs and manufactures composite structures in commercial and military aerospace markets.  The company maintains continued commitment to innovation, quality, and flexibility towards the requirements of individual airlines and OEMs.  Unitech operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense – Composites Group
The AGC Composites Group, operating within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio, is composed of Unitech Composites, Integrated Composites, and Hill AeroSystems.  The group leverages the aggregate strength of its design, engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities derived from multiple platforms to offer cost savings and efficiencies to its customers.  The AGC Composites Group provides innovative design services, quick turnaround tooling and the ability to efficiently manufacture both low and high volume production at competitive rates.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio include: financing, engineering, integration services, manufacturing, logistics and aircraft modifications.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact

Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications

AGC Aerospace & Defense

Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012

Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

Marina, CA April 18, 2012 – AGC Aerospace & Defense is pleased to announce that Integrated Composites, Inc., has recently completed a BSI Assured Limited audit and earned the AS9100 Rev C certification, awarded for the improvement of product quality and cost reduction in the aviation and defense manufacturing industry.

The new revision to the AS9100 audit program is a strenuous assessment and evaluation process that is challenging for companies seeking the esteemed certification.  Integrated Composites, Inc. passed its audit without any significant findings from the auditor.

Preston Sandusky, Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Composites, stated, “We are extremely proud of our team’s achievement.  Thanks to the commitment to quality by our entire staff, we were able to take our AS9100 certification to the next level, and better serve our customers.”

The AS9100 certification recognizes the company’s strategic focus on supplier management, on-time delivery, product conformity and risk management.  The quality audit was conducted by BSI Assurance Limited, a member of the BSI Group of Companies and a global provider of management systems assessment and certification solutions.

“Continuous improvement of products, processes, and quality management systems is one of our primary goals, as we aim to deliver products in accordance with key certifications such as AS9100 Rev C.,” said Gary Tyler, Quality Assurance Manager for Integrated Composites. 

The AS9100 Rev C, developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and introduced to the aerospace and defense industry in 2009, satisfies internal, government, and regulatory requirements to improve product quality and on-time delivery of products.  AS9100 Rev C requires cooperative initiatives to make significant quality improvements and cost reductions throughout the value stream.

The IAQG 9100 team consists of eighteen members representing Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific IAQG Sectors.  Among the various stakeholders are:  Civil aviation authorities, defense and space industry and authorities, certification/registration bodies, trade associations and IAQG member companies.

Integrated Components is a fully integrated design, development, and manufacturing company specializing in high-performance structures for aerospace, defense, marine, and industrial applications. The company’s 40,000 square foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art design, tooling, and fabrication assets.  ICI operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense – Composites Group
The AGC Composites Group, operating within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio, is composed of Unitech Composites, Integrated Composites, and Hill AeroSystems.  The group leverages the aggregate strength of its design, engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities derived from multiple platforms to offer cost savings and efficiencies to its customers.  The AGC Composites Group provides innovative design services, quick turnaround tooling and the ability to efficiently manufacture both low and high volume production at competitive rates.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio include: financing, engineering, integration services, manufacturing, logistics and aircraft modifications.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact

Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications

AGC Aerospace & Defense

Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012

Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

Enumclaw, WA April 3, 2012 – AGC Aerospace & Defense is pleased to announce that Hill AeroSystems, a member of the AGC Composites Group, has recently completed a BSI Assured Limited audit and earned the AS9100 Rev C certification, awarded for the improvement of product quality and cost reduction in the aviation and defense manufacturing industry.

The new revision to the AS9100 audit program is a strenuous assessment and evaluation process that is challenging for companies seeking the esteemed certification.  Hill AeroSystems passed its audit without any findings from the auditor.  The AS9100 certification recognizes the company’s strategic focus on supplier management, on-time delivery, product conformity and risk management. The quality audit was conducted by BSI Assurance Limited, a member of the BSI Group of Companies and a global provider of management systems assessment and certification solutions.

“The continuous improvement of our products, processes and quality management systems is one of our primary goals as we look to drive toward and achieve key certifications that include AS9100 Rev C,” said Heather Roodzant, Quality Assurance Specialist for Hill AeroSystems.  “Obtaining this certification is our way of expressing our dedication to quality and added value to our clients.”

Steve Hill, President of Hill AeroSystems, stated, “Staying focused on the customer and building high quality structural assemblies has served as the foundation of our company for over 40 years.  We strive for continuous improvement in all of operations to keep pace with innovations in technologies and processes.”  Hill added, “I am very proud of our team’s commitment to these values and it is an honor to be recognized in such a prestigious and tangible manner.”

The AS9100 Rev C, developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and introduced to the aerospace and defense industry in 2009, satisfies internal, government, and regulatory requirements to improve product quality and on-time delivery of products.  AS9100 Rev C requires cooperative initiatives to make significant quality improvements and cost reductions throughout the value stream.

The IAQG 9100 team consists of eighteen members representing Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific IAQG Sectors.  Among the various stakeholders are:  Civil aviation authorities, defense and space industry and authorities, certification/registration bodies, trade associations and IAQG member companies.

Hill AeroSystems has been in business since 1970 and is a leader in precision aerospace parts and assemblies. Hill maintains a diverse and robust manufacturing capability that combines the benefits of legacy craftsmanship with modern processes to achieve the highest standard of technical fidelity. This unique blend positions Hill to meet its customers’ diverse needs ranging from supporting aging aircraft fleets to today’s next generation aircraft.

The AGC Composites Group, part of the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio, is jointly owned by The Edgewater Funds and Acorn Growth Companies. The group is composed of Unitech Composites, Integrated Composites and Hill AeroSystems and leverages the strength of its design, engineering, development, and manufacturing capabilities from the separate companies working as part of one group.  The AGC Composites Group provides innovative design services, quick turnaround tooling, as well as the ability to efficiently manufacture both low volume as well as high volume production at competitive rates.

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact
Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications
AGC Aerospace & Defense
Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012
Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

AGC Aerospace & Defense announces the addition of Hill AeroSystems Inc. to the AGC Composites Group

Oklahoma City, OK March 22, 2012 – AGC Aerospace & Defense is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hill Aerosystems Inc.  Hill, established in 1970, is an industry expert in the design and manufacture of complex metal parts and assemblies and will add key structures capabilities to the AGC Composites Group core competencies and supply chain capabilities. 

Al Haase, CEO of the AGC Composites Group said, “This acquisition will enhance the capabilities within our Composites Group by providing high quality metal machining and structures assembly skills, which combined with our composites expertise, will allow us to deliver complex metal and composites assembly structures to our customers.  We are pleased that the management team, led by Steve Hill, will remain with the company and will continue to deliver value to our customers”.

“From a strategic standpoint, this is the first of many planned acquisitions that our recent partnership with The Edgewater Funds was designed to achieve”, said AGC managing partner Rick Nagel.  “Pursuing opportunities such as Hill will continue to play a part of our long-term growth strategy in the aerospace industry.”

“This transition was in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders as we are now positioned to leverage the strength and capability of the AGC brand”, stated Steve Hill, president of Hill AeroSystems.  “AGC’s management places real value on employees and their families”, said Hill.  “That was of primary importance to me as we made the decision to move forward with AGC.  I look forward to continuing my leadership role to ensure the continued success of the company as we align ourselves within the AGC Composites Group.”

Hill specializes in structural and non-structural metal assemblies that often require complex program management and manufacturing processes.  Hill is an approved and reliable source for Aircraft Structural Fusion Welding in virtually all alloys, and is a fully certified AS 9100 C and NADCAP approved company.

Specific details regarding the transaction were not disclosed. The assets of Hill were acquired by the AGC Composites Group and the business will do business as Hill AeroSystems, an AGC Aerospace & Defense Company going forward.

Hill AeroSystems Inc. has been in business since 1970 and is an aerospace parts and assemblies producer with diverse manufacturing capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment.  Hill AeroSystems specializes in difficult to produce assemblies, has a strong history of committed support of both inside/outside of production airframes, and serves both Military and Commercial markets.

The AGC Composites Group, part of the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio, is jointly owned by The Edgewater Funds and Acorn Growth Companies. The group is composed of Unitech Composites, Integrated Composites and Hill AeroSystems and leverages the strength of its design, engineering, development, and manufacturing capabilities from the separate companies working as part of one group.  The AGC Composites Group provides innovative design services, quick turnaround tooling, as well as the ability to efficiently manufacture both low volume as well as high volume production at competitive rates.

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Contact
Johnny Lantz, Director of Marketing & Communications
AGC Aerospace & Defense
Phone: (405) 737-2676 ext. 2012
Email: jlantz@agcaerospace.com

Partnership Seeks to Invest in Aerospace Industry

Oklahoma City, OK March 20, 2012 – Acorn Growth Companies (Acorn) has announced the creation of a partnership and recapitalization of the company’s investment in the aerospace structures and composites segment. The transaction with The Edgewater Funds, a Chicago-based private equity firm, provides significant equity capital to support Acorn Growth Companies’ aerospace acquisition strategy. 

“The announcement of this partnership and recapitalization with Edgewater represents a key milestone in our on-going efforts to develop a global aerospace composites and structures platform,” said Acorn Partner Rick Nagel. “It will allow us to move faster, evaluate larger opportunities, and provide more certainty of long term success, while stabilizing our balance sheet as we prepare for meaningful growth."

“We are confident that this partnership with Edgewater, combining their deep sector expertise with our experienced and dedicated management team, will result in the achievement of our mutual goal of building and growing a $500 million enterprise over the next few years,” said Acorn Partner Jeff Davis. “It is gratifying and humbling that Edgewater, a highly successful firm, has validated our investment approach and seeks to work with us in the aerospace industry.”

Edgewater Partner Jeff Frient added, “We are impressed with Acorn’s reputation in the industry and their steadfast commitment to building value for their investors. We are pleased that Acorn will be our partner as we work together to grow our aerospace investment portfolio."

About Acorn Growth Companies

Acorn Growth Companies owns and/or controls investments under the brand AGC Aerospace & Defense which is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about Acorn Growth Companies or AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.acorngc.com

About The Edgewater Funds

The Edgewater Funds is a Chicago-based private equity firm with nearly $2 billion in capital under management. Through Edgewater Growth Capital Partners, the firm partners with management to help accelerate growth in their businesses. Edgewater focuses on funding high quality middle market companies where it can add substantial value through capital, experience and its broad network.

Being billed as “The Ultimate Living History Experience”, this once in a lifetime experience offers attendees the opportunity to fly aboard the B-17 or B-24 Bombers or get some “stick time” in the world’s only Dual Control P-51C Mustang Fighter.

“This is a very exciting event for the community and we are proud to host this showcase of American aviation history at our facility”, stated Jeff Snyder, president of Valair. “We look forward to see people of all ages take advantage of this opportunity to see several of the most famous aircraft of the WWII era.”

Valair will host the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and P-51 Mustang for a public static display and morning/evening flights.  They will provide ‘Wings of Freedom’ Flight Experiences for the restored World War II aircraft: B-17 and B-24 for $425 per person / per flight.  Walk-through tours are available $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 years and younger.

The "Wings of Freedom Tour" has two goals: to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans that allow us to enjoy our freedom; and to educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage.

The Foundation encourages people to tour the planes, talk to the veterans who come to visit the aircraft, and participate in a "flight experience”. In twenty-two years, the tour has made more than 2,600 visits to airports across the United States and Alaska. While the exact number of visitors is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that between 3.5 and 4 million people see these “warbirds” annually.  More information available at www.collingsfoundation.org

About Valair Aviation
Valair Aviation, headquartered at Oklahoma City's Wiley Post Airport (KPWA), specializes in aircraft maintenance, airframe and avionics modification, custom paint and interiors, and complete aircraft restoration.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense
AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.

Oklahoma City, OK, February 21, 2012 – Brian Reid has accepted the position of Vice President Business Development for Valair Aviation, an AGC Aerospace & Defense company.  Reid will be a key member of the management team and responsible for both long term strategic planning and short term sales and revenue growth.

“Brian is a welcome addition to the Valair Aviation team, and brings extensive experience in developing mutually beneficial relationships in the global aviation marketplace,” said Jeff Snyder, President of Valair.  “He has a great working knowledge of aftermarket upgrade and refurbishment processes, and will be a great fit for this role.”

Reid brings over 15 years of Sales, Marketing and Business Development experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Prior to joining Valair he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MD Helicopters. He also has extensive experience in the aircraft modification business as Director of Sales with B/E Aerospace and aircraft logistic support expertise as Director of Sales for M&M Aerospace.

Reid attended Texas Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the Rawls School of Business.

About Valair Aviation

Valair Aviation, headquartered at Oklahoma City’s Wiley Post Airport (KPWA), specializes in aircraft maintenance, airframe and avionics modification, custom paint and interiors, and complete aircraft restoration.

 About AGC Aerospace & Defense

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.  AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups:  Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com

Lantz will collaborate with Acorn’s portfolio companies to ensure the AGC brand remains relevant to customers and that all initiatives support the brand promise. He will also be responsible for company and industry-related communications and relations and will take a lead in managing vendor partners and communication agencies.

“We recruited Johnny for his unique combination of knowledge and experience,” said Jeff Davis, President of AGC.  “His skill set is a great fit for our companies’ needs and vision for this role.  He has the full support of our executive team and we expect his transition into the defense and aviation industry to be a smooth one.”

Davis also added,” part of our success is built upon our ability to recognize talent and we understand the importance of investing in a seasoned professional to guide our brand’s message as we continue to grow our portfolio.”

Lantz is an accomplished marketing strategist and tactician with significant experience in start to finish multi-million dollar campaigns.  His primary background experience includes: B2B publishing encompassing magazine subscriptions, website traffic, trade show exhibit, advertising, and attendee revenue streams.  He has extensive continuing education in experiential marketing, social media, SEO, database management, corporate identity, and website functionality.

Lantz attended Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the Spears School of Business.  He is currently an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Marketing Association.

About AGC Aerospace & Defense

AGC Aerospace & Defense, the unifying brand of private equity group Acorn Growth Companies, is a global supplier of technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs. Capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications. AGC Aerospace & Defense is organized into four operating groups: Composites, Finance, Integrated Defense, and Services.

For additional information about AGC Aerospace & Defense, please visit www.agcaerospace.com.