Hutchinson acquires US aerospace ice protection systems supplier Cox & Co.

Paris – Hutchinson has completed the acquisition of US-based Cox & Co., a supplier of ice protection systems for aerospace applications, as the French group expands its presence in the US market.

The deal covers 100% of Cox & Co. as well as its subsidiary Prime Technology, which specialises in instrumentation for naval defence and industrial sectors, said Hutchinson 3 Feb.

The acquired company focuses on integrated ice protection and temperature control systems for aircraft, including “electro-mechanical (EMEDS) and thermo-mechanical (TMEDS) expulsion de-icing systems,” which it describes as low-power solutions for in-flight applications.

Hutchinson said the acquisition will strengthen its position in aerospace systems, amid “rising demand and tightening technical requirements” for reliable, high-performance solutions.

“This strategic acquisition will create significant synergies and growth opportunities,” said Nicolas Orance, senior executive vice president of Hutchinson’s aerospace, defence and industry activities.

The deal, he added, “reinforces Hutchinson de-icing solutions for aerospace applications and extends our product and customer portfolios.”

The French group, said Orance, aims to become “the leading Tier 1 supplier of integrated anti-icing/de-icing and temperature control solutions throughout the aircraft lifespan.”

Cox & Co. operates manufacturing sites in New York, Connecticut and the Dominican Republic, supporting aerospace programmes with design, production and maintenance capabilities.

The acquisition is part of Hutchinson’s broader push to expand its aerospace activities.

In early March, the French group signed an MoU with India’s Dynamatic Technologies to target the country’s "fast-growing" aerospace sector. (ERJ Repoort)