TIGHITCO, a renowned manufacturer of engineered composites and thermal insulation products, has announced a new partnership with Kellstrom Aerospace, a leading provider of aftermarket solutions for the aviation industry. This collaboration will allow TIGHITCO to expand its global reach and allow Kellstrom to offer a wider range of high-quality products to its customers in the commercial aircraft market.
The partnership with Kellstrom will focus on the sale and distribution of TIGHITCO’s complex composites, metallics and thermal insulation products, which are applicable on a variety of commercial aircraft, including heat shields and blankets for engine/QEC and APU application on the Boeing 737, 767 and 787, as well as Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier platforms. These products are known for their durability, lightweight design, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, making them a valuable addition to Kellstrom’s portfolio of aftermarket solutions.
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with Kellstrom,” said TIGHITCO President/CEO, Mark Withrow. “Their expertise in distribution, sales, marketing capability, and global reach with active sales to over 2,000 airlines and MRO’s, coupled with our full suite of OEM engineered composites and thermal insulation products will bring immense value to our customers. With this partnership, we will be able to offer a wider range of high-quality products and services to the worldwide commercial and business jet aircraft market.”
The partnership between TIGHITCO and Kellstrom comes at a time when the demand for aftermarket solutions in the aviation industry is on the rise. As airlines look for cost-effective ways to maintain and upgrade their fleets, TIGHITCO and Kellstrom’s partnership will provide them with reliable and innovative solutions. This collaboration also highlights TIGHITCO’s commitment to continuously expanding its product offerings, capabilities and providing its customers with the best possible solutions world-wide.
“We are delighted to enter into a commercial aftermarket distribution partnership with a best-in-class OEM supplier like TIGHITCO to offer our global airline and MRO customers the high quality OEM parts they demand when and where they need them.” added Daniel Adamski, EVP – Distribution Kellstrom Aerospace.
With this new partnership, TIGHITCO and Kellstrom are poised to make a significant impact in the global commercial aircraft aftermarket. The combination of Kellstrom’s extensive network and TIGHITCO’s high-quality products will undoubtedly benefit airlines and operators around the world. This partnership is a testament to TIGHITCO’s dedication to providing its customers with the best possible solutions and its commitment to driving innovation in the aviation industry.
About TIGHITCO Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
About KELLSTROM Kellstrom Commercial Aerospace, Inc. dba Kellstrom Aerospace is one of the largest commercial aftermarket distribution channel partners to leading OEMs, airlines, leasing companies, financial institutions, air transport operators and MRO’s worldwide. Differentiated by its operational heritage, on-hand relevant inventory and parts management emphasis, Kellstrom Aerospace provides immediate access to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive inventories of factory new aircraft parts for engine and airframe heavy maintenance, phase checks and line maintenance.
Kellstrom Aerospace offers an unparalleled level of cost-effective supply chain solutions, including OEM parts distribution and OEM services, commercial aftermarket parts provisioning and sunset fleet services, technical services, consignment management, repair management, overhauled rotable component programs, whole aircraft/engine asset leasing and trading, and fleet provisioning programs based on real world experience. Kellstrom Aerospace provides 24/7 AOG and Just-In-Time (JIT) support covering all service offerings to over 2,000 customers in 90 countries. For more news and information on Kellstrom Aerospace, please visit: www.kellstromaerospace.com.
TIGHITCO, Inc. Craig Zysk | Group VP Sales & Business Development 203-943-1768 | czysk@tighitco.com
Charleston, SC – TIGHITCO, a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, announced today that their Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) division, Overhaul Support Services (OSS), out of East Granby, Connecticut, is set to deliver its fiftieth overhauled UH-60 Main Rotor Spindle, in accordance with their $25M contract award late last year.
In August 2023, Overhaul Support Services LLC was awarded a US Department of Defense overhaul contract for UH-60 Main Rotor Spindles. Initial field assets arrived at OSS in October 2023 followed by Army approval of the MRO Plan in late January 2024. OSS has now completed the first 50 units on time. This begins deliveries of overhauled spindles to the US Army on the 3 year, IDIQ contract having maximum quantity of 2,500 units.
“We are thrilled to have reached this stage in our partnership with the US Army,” said Craig Zysk, Group Vice President Sales & Business Development for TIGHITCO. “The arrival of initial field assets and the Army’s approval of our MRO Plan were significant achievements for OSS. Our teams ability to achieve the turn around times to achieve better than expected performance was remarkable. This is a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication and excellence in new program implementation.”
TIGHITCO OSS has a long-standing reputation for reliable performance in the aerospace and defense industry. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled team of professionals have enabled it to meet the rigorous standards set by the Army and deliver top-notch products and services. TIGHITCO OSS looks forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace and defense industry and contributing to the success of the US Army’s missions.
About TIGHITCO Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
TIGHITCO, Inc. Craig Zysk | Group VP Sales & Business Development 203-943-1768 | czysk@tighitco.com
TIGHITCO’S MRO Division, Overhaul Support Services LLC (OSS), is proud to announce the commissioning of a new alkaline cleaning line at their facility located at 5 Connecticut South Drive in East Granby, Connecticut. This new addition to their facility will greatly enhance OSS’s capabilities in cleaning large titanium parts. The first parts to process through this line and subsequent fluorescent penetrant inspection were PW800 engine fan blisks for Pratt & Whitney Engine Services in Bridgeport, West Virginia, which was recently announced.
The new alkaline cleaning line is a significant addition for OSS, as it will allow them to efficiently and effectively process large metallic parts for the aviation industry. This is a crucial step in the maintenance and repair process for aircraft components. With this new capability, OSS expands capabilities to become more vertically integrated throughout its manufacturing and MRO divisions in lieu of outside processing, which is both costly and time constrained.
“OSS is excited about the opportunities that this capability opens for future business with Pratt & Whitney and other customers requiring this service,” according to Mark Withrow, President/CEO of TIGHITCO, Inc. “We are confident that this new addition will greatly enhance our positioning with existing and potential customers. We paid attention to the needs of the customer and are happy to deliver this timely process addition.”
The commissioning of the new alkaline cleaning line at OSS’s facility is a fundamental part of the overall capability growth plan that was set in motion in 2023, and will continue through 2025. OSS looks forward to utilizing this new line to provide exceptional services and continue to be an MRO leader in the aviation industry.
About TIGHITCO Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
TIGHITCO, Inc. Craig Zysk | Group VP Sales & Business Development 203-943-1768 | czysk@tighitco.com
TIGHITCO, Inc., a trailblazer in aerospace and defense solutions, proudly announces that its Insulation Products Group, TIGHITCO LATINOAMERICA S.A. de C.V., headquartered in San Luis Potosi, has achieved AS9100 accreditation for Design. This accomplishment propels TIGHITCO beyond manufacturing and empowers them to better meet customer requirements with customized design of thermal and acoustical insulation systems, as well as intricate sewn assemblies.
“Our impressive abilities to manufacture in Mexico at a high level, has always been a hallmark of our company. This is now bolstered by adding the design capabilities, which will streamline our standard work and ultimately assure complete customer satisfaction.” Added Mark Withrow, President & CEO TIGHITCO.
AS9100: Elevating Quality Standards – The AS9100 accreditation is a global benchmark for quality management within the aerospace industry. By attaining this distinction, TIGHITCO LATINOAMERICA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to excellence. Rigorous adherence to industry norms ensures the safety, reliability, and performance of their products.
A Holistic Approach – With this accreditation, TIGHITCO LATINOAMERICA S.A. de C.V. now offers end-to-end services, seamlessly bridging design and manufacturing. The benefits are multifold:
Efficiency: Streamlined processes lead to faster delivery times.
Precision: Closer collaboration between design and manufacturing teams enhances product precision.
Humberto Santiago, VP/COO of TIGHITCO LATINOAMERICA, shares his enthusiasm: “This impressive milestone, which was set during our annual strategic planning cycle, underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence. TIGHITCO is poised for continued growth and success in the aerospace and defense sectors. Our expanded capabilities will serve our clients as it reduces our time to market, from concept to product delivery.”
About TIGHITCO Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
TIGHITCO, a leading aerospace and defense company, is proud to announce that They have reached another milestone in their growth of their operational excellence models with the certification of 15 employees as Six-Sigma Yellow Belts in the past year. This achievement marks a significant step towards the company’s goal of achieving full saturation of Six-Sigma methodology across all departments.
The certification process was conducted in two training waves, with each wave consisting of rigorous training and examinations, followed by project completion to finalize certification. The certified employees were recognized for their dedication and hard work with awards and belts, symbolizing their expertise in the systematic approach to reducing waste, improving processes, and problem-solving.
Six-Sigma methodology is a data-driven approach to process improvement, which has been proven to be highly effective in reducing costs, improving quality, and increasing customer satisfaction. By making this investment and achieving certification, TIGHITCO is taking a significant step towards achieving full saturation of Six-Sigma/Lean manufacturing methodology across all departments, which will further enhance the company’s operational excellence (OPEX) industrialization efforts.
“We are thrilled to have certified our Six-Sigma Yellow Belts last year, and we are confident that their expertise will contribute to our company’s success,” said Shawn Hawks, VP/General Manager of TIGHITCO Complex Composites. “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to providing the best products and services to our customers. We look forward to continuing our journey towards full saturation of Six-Sigma methodology and achieving even greater success in the future.”
For more information about TIGHITCO and its services, please visit their website at www.tighitco.com.
About TIGHITCO Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
TIGHITCO, a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, announced today that their Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) division, Overhaul Support Services (OSS), out of East Grandby, Connecticut, has been awarded a new agreement by Pratt & Whitney for the overhaul and repair of blisk fans for their PW800 series engines. This program marks the first repair agreement between OSS and Pratt & Whitney’s Bridgeport, West Virginia division.
“We are thrilled to have earned the approval of Pratt & Whitney for this new agreement,” said Shawn Hawks, Vice President/GM. “This partnership is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication to providing high-quality MRO services. We are excited to expand our relationship with Pratt & Whitney and look forward to supporting their PW800 series engines.”
The PW800 series engines are used in a variety of aircraft, including Gulfstream business jets and Bombardier regional aircraft. As part of the agreement, OSS will provide overhaul and repair services for the blisk fans, which are critical components of the engines. This new partnership will allow Pratt & Whitney to benefit from OSS’s extensive experience and capabilities in MRO services, while also providing OSS with the opportunity to expand their customer base.
“We are proud to be selected by Pratt & Whitney for this important program,” said Craig Zysk, Group Vice President of TIGHITCO’s Sales & Business Development. “Our team in East Granby is well-equipped and ready to support the PW800 series engines with our state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled technicians. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and value to our customers, and we are confident that this partnership will be a success.”
TIGHITCO’s MRO division, Overhaul Support Services, is a trusted provider of MRO services for a wide range of aerospace and defense platforms. With this new agreement, they continue to solidify their position as a leader in the industry and demonstrate their commitment to delivering top-quality services to their customers.
About TIGHITCO
Since 1944, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. The Aerostructures Division was established in 1972. With a prime focus on advanced composite aerostructures, metallic, soft goods and molded insulation systems, sheet metal forming and MRO, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. TIGHITCO’s meticulous craftsmanship achieves the high quality that the aerospace industry demands, providing full lifecycle support of all products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, TIGHITCO will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print to a quality part. TIGHITCO offers full-service solutions; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for defense and commercial customers. TIGHITCO is Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D accredited, with a proven track record of nearly five decades of manufacturing.
