Aerospace

Okuma America Corp. has opened an Aerospace Center of Excellence at its facility in Charlotte, N.C. The center is for aerospace manufacturers to use as a testing and proving ground for advanced CNC machining technology to enhance productivity while solving industry-specific challenges, according to the company.

H-D Advanced Manufacturing Co., Pittsburgh, acquired San Diego-based Sungear Inc., a manufacturer of precision gears and assemblies for the aerospace industry.

Since the economic slowdown in 2008, the global sales of business aircraft has been less than 50 percent of the annual sales in 2007; however, as aircraft fleets get older and the economy improves, pent-up demand may stimulate purchases.

Liberty Hall Capital Partners, a New York, N.Y.-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the global aerospace and defense industry, announced the acquisition of Tulsa, Okla.'s Precise Machining & Manufacturing, a Tier II supplier of machined parts, kits and assemblies and processing services to the aerospace industry.

AFAB, a Lake Forest, Calif.-based manufacturer of machined parts and assemblies, is moving into the aerospace and automotive markets through acquisitions of new equipment, hiring experienced personnel, and institutingnew systems, according to the company.