Ontic has acquired SIRS Navigation, a UK-based manufacturer of standby magnetic compasses for the global aviation industry.
Based in Kent, England, SIRS Navigation has more than 60 years of experience designing, manufacturing and supporting aviation magnetic compasses. Its products are used across commercial and business aircraft, as well as fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms, with tens of thousands of units in service worldwide.
SIRS Navigation supplies compass units to aircraft OEM production lines and provides replacement units to operators and distributors through the aftermarket. The company also operates a 24/7 global support network for logistical and technical assistance.
Its compass designs, originally acquired from GE Aerospace, have been developed in-house over the years, with the company also providing custom designs for specific aircraft and customer requirements.
“This acquisition is about providing continuity and long-term commitment to its customers, while giving the business a home where it can continue to thrive,” said JC Gallagher, Ontic’s new CEO.
“This marks an exciting milestone for SIRS Navigation,” said Maisie Bylett, Commercial Director, SIRS Navigation. “I am extremely proud of the company history and the accomplishments made as a small company in a challenging sector. Ontic is a strong strategic fit for our business, our people and our customers. Being part of a global aerospace business, with deep OEM and MRO expertise, provides the scale, investment and long-term stability needed to continue to meet the high levels of quality, service and reliability our customers expect. This new chapter will build on our core values, whilst providing increased scale to support our customers.”
Ontic said the acquisition adds SIRS Navigation’s proprietary products, customer base and aftermarket support activities to its portfolio. The company has ten sites and more than 1,900 employees across its aerospace operations.
Also Read – Deucalion arranges acquisition of Vueling-leased A320
“SIRS Navigation is joining a global business with ten sites, more than 1,900 employees, and decades of experience manufacturing and supporting critical aviation components,” Gallagher added. “This gives SIRS Navigation access to the scale, investment, and infrastructure of a much larger aerospace group, without changing what has made the business so successful.”
The acquisition expands Ontic’s portfolio of aircraft components while adding SIRS Navigation’s compass products and aftermarket support capabilities to its aviation business.
