Western Sky Acquires Hartwell

Hartwell Corp., a 58-year-old manufacturer of civilian and military aircraft components, said Friday that it has been acquired by Western Sky Industries in Philadelphia. Financial details were not disclosed.

Conrad Maas, Hartwell’s new president, said the company will remain in Orange County and will continue operating under its own name as a unit of Western Sky.

Hartwell, which moved to Orange County in 1972, makes latches, hinges and struts used in aircraft construction. The company employs about 400 people, including 275 at its headquarters in Placentia. Other facilities are in Rancho Cucamonga; Tecate, Mexico; and Germany--where Hartwell makes parts for European aircraft makers.

Western Sky is a holding company for a group of aerospace, automotive and medical equipment manufacturers. Maas, formerly Hartwell’s chief financial officer, succeeds outgoing President Ed Hoogendijk, who joins Western Sky’s board as managing director of Hartwell. (John O’Dell)