Howmet Purchase Adds More Aero Fasteners

Howmet Aerospace Inc. agreed to purchase Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing LLC from Stanley Black & Decker, and will add the designer and manufacturer of precision fasteners, fluid fittings, and other products for aerospace and defense markets by mid-2026.

The all-cash acquisition is valued at $1.8 billion, according to a press release. Stanley Black & Decker explained the sale will reduce debt and streamline its organization with a greater focus on its tool products.

Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing - which includes brands like Aerofit, Bristol, QRP, and Voss - supplies commercial aircraft programs (including Airbus and Boeing) and defense aircraft programs with products like quick-release pins, latches, and tube assemblies, produced at multiple U.S. locations.

Howmet’s existing portfolio includes various aerospace fastener products, including cast-in types produced by investment casting. These include specialized bolts, nuts, or inserts that are integrated into a larger component during the casting process to create complex, lightweight parts in aerospace alloys that may be difficult to produce by machining.

"CAM's established brands, engineering prowess, and deep customer relationships are a perfect complement to our existing business,” stated Howmet executive chairman/CEO John C. Plant. “This transaction will allow us to better serve our aerospace and defense customers with a broader offering of mission-critical fastening solutions and represents a compelling use of capital to drive value for our shareholders."

The current version of Howmet was formed in 2020 following a spin-off from Arconic Inc., the former Alcoa Inc.’s aerospace division. It continues to be an important investment casting producer of superalloy and titanium alloy components for aerospace and industrial gas turbines; as well as a major supplier of forged aluminum, titanium, and superalloy parts for aerospace structures and aluminum wheels.

Howmet is expanding its investment casting operation in Whitehall, MI, with a $108-million project, where it will manufacture ceramic cores for turbofan engine production.