Abel Turning From Helicopters to Reels

The aerospace downturn has sharply reduced orders for helicopter parts at Abel Automatics Inc. in Camarillo, but the company’s other major product line--big-game fishing reels--is staging a comeback.

During the Persian Gulf War, demand for Abel’s helicopter transmission mounts was so strong that “we had to halt production of reels entirely and turn all our energy to helicopter parts,” said Steve Abel, the firm’s president.

When defense orders fell after the war, Abel Automatics resumed reel production, but sales suffered because of the recession and a slump in vacation travel, Abel said. As a result, he said, the company had to reduce its work force in the past 15 months from a high of 52 to a current 36.

In this year’s first quarter, Abel Automatic’s business was evenly divided between defense and recreational products, Abel said. He said sales of fishing reels during the period were up 20% compared to last year’s first quarter.

Abel Automatics’ reels, used by anglers seeking tarpon and other big-game fish, retail for as much as $610 and are among the most expensive in the industry, Abel said. He said the firm also turns out custom reels that sell for $1,200 but recently added a line of less expensive trout reels costing $200 to $250.

“As the economy picks up, our business is improving, but we don’t expect to do any hiring in the immediate future,” Abel said.

Abel Automatics, which is privately held, does not disclose its sales figures.