Continued Consolidation in the Aerospace Fastener Industry

Aircraft Fasteners and Aircraft Hardware have seen the pace of consolidation in the aerospace industry increasing. UTC’s LOI to purchase Goodrich is the largest of the prime and tier 1 manufacturers. Less noteworthy but nearly as important is Emhart’s purchase of FIT and SPS technologies purchase of PB fasteners. The large diameter bolt manufacturers are diminishing in number. This may open doors for specialty manufacturers to enter that are able to run short dated, small quantity production lines. Obviously all manufacturers heavily depend on the prime’s ability to win contracts but with a smaller number of factories available the remaining few are sure to increase margins.

We see a particular opportunity for companies able to be approved for the Airbus EN6114 series bolts, Airbus EN6115 bolts, and Hi-Lok pins / Hi Lok collars. (source: American Fastener Journal)