Tailwind Adds Aerospace Welding Minneapolis, Inc. and Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc. to Portfolio

Tailwind Technologies acquires Aerospace Welding Minneapolis, Inc. and Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI), both headed by president Tom Heid, who will continue in that capacity for Tailwind. Tailwind Technologies is the parent company of Hartzell Propeller, Inc. and Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC.

"President Tom Heid founded AWI-AMI in Eagan, MN, more than 20 years ago. The operation is well run and will fit nicely into our growth portfolio," says James (Jim) W. Brown III, president of Tailwind. "AWI-AMI will keep their location, company names, leadership team and skilled employees going forward."

AWI's core competencies are welding, bending and fabricating sheet-metal and tubing. It specializes in the manufacture, repair and overhaul of piston-aircraft exhaust and engine mounts, primarily as an aftermarket-focused business. 

AMI specializes in make-to-print machining and welding with a focus on bending and welding tube assemblies for jet engines and airframes as well as metal details for AWI's exhaust and engine-mount business. AMI is also a supplier to Hartzell Engine Technologies, providing welded sheet-metal and tubes for the cabin-heater product line. 

"Under Tailwind Technologies, we are positioned to be a real winner in the aviation/aerospace market," says Heid. "Our whole team is looking forward to applying Tailwind's expertise in enterprise resource planning, operational optimization and rigorous metrics to further improve business performance with a future focus on intellectual property-based products."