Hartzell Acquires Kelly Aero

Hartzell Engine Tech president Keith Bagley notes the acquisition will "add manufacturing capabilities for aircraft ignition products to our existing lines of engineered, firewall forward, engine accessories. We extend our appreciation to Jeffrey Kelly, his family, and Neil Clark for creating and stewarding a great product line that will integrate nicely with Hartzell Aviation's ‘Built on Honor’ philosophy."

According to Hartzell, a technical evaluation will begin in 2024 and with the receipt of PMA approval, Hartzell Engine Tech will "rebrand the newly acquired products as PowerUp Ignition Systems, adding to the product portfolio that already contains such heavy hitters as Janitrol Aero, Fuelcraft, Plane-Power, Sky-Tec, and AeroForce Turbocharger Systems.”

The main manufacturing facility will be at Hartzell's present location in Montgomery, Alabama, and will include the acquisition of about 40 employees.

Company officials said Kelly Aero’s former Montgomery facility will be used to expand the capacity of Hartzell Engine Tech's machine shop. In addition, the customer-direct magneto service work will be accomplished at Quality Aircraft Accessories, Hartzell’s sister company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Hartzell Aviation traces its roots back to the early days of aviation, with the establishment of Hartzell Propeller in Piqua, Ohio, in 1917. Over the decades its product line has increased to include firewall forward engine technology as well as piston engine preheat and de-icing, cabin heating, aircraft batteries, and avionics.

Today, the Hartzell family includes Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Aerospace Welding, and Hartzell Engine Tech. More information on Hartzell can be found here.