Special Devices Signs 5-Year Pact With TRW

Special Devices Inc., a Newhall maker of pyrotechnic devices used in car air bags and the aerospace industry, said it has signed a new, five-year contract with TRW Inc., which makes an estimated 40% to 45% of all automotive air bags.

The new contract replaces Special Devices’ current agreement with TRW, which ends with the 1995 model year. Special Devices declined to say how much the new deal is potentially worth. But in its fiscal year ended last Oct. 31, TRW accounted for about $42 million in sales for Special Devices.

John Vinke, a Special Devices spokesman, said the new TRW contract will probably be worth far more to his company this year because of the expected growth of the air bag market.