New resources for performance improvement
and growth in aviation parts
Headquartered in Bedford Park, IL, Northstar Aerospace, Inc. (Northstar) is a manufacturer of flight-critical and non-flight-critical parts for military and commercial aircraft applications. The company provides a broad base of complex and highly engineered products, including gears, housings, assemblies and shafts for helicopter transmission systems. Northstar has strong, long-term relationships with key OEMs in the aerospace and defense industry and enjoys an exclusive position on two key defense helicopter programs.
Transaction
Northstar, formerly a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, became financially distressed as a result of a number of external factors and certain legacy liabilities. Wynnchurch acquired substantially all of the operating assets of Northstar through insolvency proceedings in both the United States and Canada.
Opportunity
Northstar represented a unique opportunity to acquire a manufacturer in the aerospace and defense sector at an attractive valuation in a bankruptcy process. With access to previously unavailable resources, management will focus on implementing quality tools and advanced management systems to continue driving significant performance improvement.
Strategy
Wynnchurch is working with management to continue to upgrade systems and processes, improve customer satisfaction and drive continuous improvement throughout the company’s operations. Northstar is launching initiatives to win new business with new and existing customers and evaluating strategic add-on acquisitions.