Tolo Supplying Fighter Plane Parts

Another of Orange County’s high-tech aerospace and defense manufacturers, Tolo, has begun supplying lightweight components for 25 F-15I fighters being built for the Israeli Air Force by the McDonnell Aircraft and Missile Systems group of Boeing Co.

Irvine-based Tolo has developed a manufacturing technology that lets it machine complex metal parts from solid blocks of aluminum. The finished components are far stronger and lighter than the parts they replace. Because they are made of just one or two pieces instead of a plethora of parts, the components also are easy to assemble and easy to repair or replace.

Tolo, founded in 1956, maintained its independence throughout the downturn of the defense industry in the 1980s but recently was acquired by B.F. Goodrich Co.

John O’Dell covers major Orange County corporations and manufacturing for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-5831 and at john.odell@latimes.com.