Eldec's Product Acquisition Tied To European Expansion

LYNNWOOD

Eldec Corp. is expanding its European presence. Eldec is creating a new subsidiary, Eldec France, to sell electronic sensing devices for aircraft. The Lynnwood-based firm recently acquired the aerospace sensing devices from ABB Petercem, Lyon, France.

The Petercem products monitor the position of doors, landing gear and flight surfaces. They are similar to the sensors and switches Eldec now produces.

Annual revenue from the Petercem product line is approximately $2 million. Eldec's sales totaled $123 million this year.

"The acquisition is a strategic move to enhance our market position in Europe. After the Boeing 777, the next two-to-three announced new aircraft programs are in Europe. Eldec is positioning itself to participate on these new programs," says Max Gellert, chief executive officer.

Petercem will continue to manufacture proximity sensors that will be sold by Eldec. But within two years, Eldec plans to establish its own manufacturing facility in France.

Eldec designs and manufactures electronic and electromechanical systems for aerospace and defense applications. Founded in 1957, the company is a subcontractor to a large number of major aerospace and defense electronics contractors.