aerial machine & tool shifts focus to survivability
You've got a dangerous job to do. That’s why we’re committed to providing the most innovative, most effective custom-engineered aviation combat equipment and survivability solutions on the market - and it’s why we’ve chosen to divest the Capewell aerial delivery business unit and focus exclusively on providing best-in-class survivability solutions for the Armed Forces and first responders across the country.
“After a decade of operating as an integrated company, the time is right to reestablish and revitalize our Aerial roots. Divesting of the Capewell business units frees up operational capacity and allows our organization to focus and invest squarely on solutions that save lives.”
THOMAS WEIDLEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Thomas D. Weidley,
Chief Executive Officer
Aerial Machine & Tool was founded in 1926 as a machine shop dedicated to producing high-quality metal products. The organization’s rigorous quality standards led it to becoming a prime contractor for the United States Department of War (now the Department of Defense) by 1940 — less than two decades after its inception. During World War II, the Company provided critical bolt and bracket assemblies to the U.S. Army Air Forces. Sewing capabilities were added to the company’s capabilities and in the years that followed, the company began to specialize in life-safety equipment.
In 1988, Aerial relocated its operations to Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Since then, the company has steadily built its capabilities and technological expertise in the areas of heavy duty and light technical sewing and cutting, emergency breathing systems and associated support and sustainment equipment, precision machining, radio frequency welding of flotation, and finishing of high tolerance metal parts for a variety of survivability products for the Armed Services and First Responder Communities across the United States.
Its sister company, Rhine Air Inc, manufactures and distributes high-quality, highly versatile aircraft fuel tank and hazardous environment ventilation and respiratory protection equipment to support aviation maintenance organizations around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
will aerial machine & tool BE financially stable AFTER THE SALE?
Aerial Machine & Tool is financially stable and fully supported by Argosy Private Equity. The sale of Capewell's Aerial Delivery and Descent Divisions allows Aerial Machine & Tool to focus our energy on Survivability Solutions that are unmatched in the industry. As an organization, we will embrace our roots and hold dearest those business attributes that drove almost a century of success in manufacturing and sewing prowess.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY EXISTING ORDER?
Existing orders, to include existing issued quotes, will be unaffected by this divestiture. Aerial will honor all current commitments. The only modifications necessary would be for orders of Capewell parachute hardware (male). Our team will reach out specifically to each customer to discuss modifications to the responsible party (the actual delivery of product and delivery dates will not be impacted).
ARE THE PRODUCT LINES CHANGING?
There will be no change to the long-standing product areas of Aerial Machine & Tool - technical sewing, emergency breathing systems and support equipment, flotation manufacturing, machined safety hooks and survivability equipment, and continued production on all Rhine Air respiratory and ventilation offerings.
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE STAYING WITH AERIAL MACHING & TOOL?
Aerial will continue to design and manufacture its historical products, with the exception of Capewell Parachute Hardware (male). This product line will transition over the next several months to Capewell Aerial Systems in South Windsor, CT.
WILL my point of contact change?
All existing Points of Contact at Aerial Machine & Tool in Meadows of Dan, VA will remain the same. Links are available on www.AerialMT.com for sales and expert queries. Customers with active orders for Capewell Parachute Hardware (male) will be updated individually on new contacts moving forward.
WILL MY CONTRACTS & PURCHASE ORDERS NEED TO BE UPDATED?
In order to properly align all appropriate relationship agreements, contracts, and other formal documentation, our Contracts Teams will reach out individually with the necessary modifications to ensure the correct company is identified (Aerial Machine and Tool Corp or Capewell Aerial Systems). We view these changes as administrative in nature, vice substantiative changes. Existing purchase orders should not need modification. However, purchase orders for Capewell Parachute Hardware (male) will need to be modified, and our Customer Service Teams will reach out individually to affect those administrative changes (no changes to quantity or delivery timelines).