Will Retain WECO Name

Aero-News learned Wednesday that Gulfstream Aerospace will soon acquire WECO Aerospace Systems, Inc., a privately held aviation-component overhaul company specializing in electrical, electronic accessories and flight instrument services. The Southern California business will retain the WECO name and become part of Gulfstream’s Product Support business operations.

The purchase is expected to close by the end of the first quarter 2007. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This acquisition furthers our commitment to providing outstanding product support for our fleet operators. Gulfstream has been one of WECO’s biggest customers," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream.

According to Larry Flynn, president, Product Support, Gulfstream, the acquisition makes sense for both parties.

"For Gulfstream, this agreement augments our current overhaul capabilities on the West Coast, something our customers have requested for a long time," said Flynn. "As for WECO, it ensures a continuous flow of business and greatly expands their resources."

Founded by father and son Hal and Bill Weygandt in 1974, WECO employs approximately 75 people who work at either of the company’s two California offices -- one in Lincoln, and the other in Burbank. Bill Weygandt, president of WECO, will retain his position and title.

"We are excited to become part of the Gulfstream family," Weygandt said. "While WECO and the people who have worked here have been a huge part of my life for the past 32 years, I can’t think of a better company to support us and our best interests as a business."

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation -- a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics -- designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,600 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com, www.wecoaerospace.com