- Makers of Magnetos, Ignition Harnesses, Replacement Parts
Montgomery, Alabama. 27 November 2023 . Hartzell Engine Tech, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has acquired the assets of Kelly Aero LLC, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket aircraft magnetos, replacement parts and ignition harnesses for General Aviation and military applications. Hartzell Engine Tech is headquartered in Montgomery, Ala.
“With this acquisition, Hartzell Engine Tech is excited to add manufacturing capabilities for aircraft ignition products to our existing lines of engineered, firewall forward, engine accessories,” said Hartzell Engine Tech President Keith Bagley. “We extend our appreciation to Jeffrey Kelly, his family and Neil Clark for creating and stewarding a great product line that will integrate nicely with Hartzell Aviation’s Built on Honor philosophy,” Bagley added.
Rebranding as PowerUp Ignition Systems to Begin Soon. Beginning in early 2024 and after a thorough technical evaluation and receipt of PMA approval, Hartzell Engine Tech will rebrand the newly acquired products as PowerUp Ignition Systems. PowerUp Ignition Systems will be the largest operation in Hartzell Engine Tech’s product portfolio, joining Janitrol Aero, Fuelcraft, Plane-Power, Sky-Tec, and AeroForce Turbocharger Systems.
Hartzell Engine Tech is incorporating new PowerUp Ignition Systems production within its main Montgomery manufacturing facility. Hartzell Engine Tech total employment will increase by about 40 employees as a result of the acquisition.
Kelly Aero’s former Montgomery facility will be used to expand the capacity of Hartzell Engine Tech’s existing machine shop. The customer direct magneto service work will be accomplished at Quality Aircraft Accessories, Hartzell Engine Tech’s sister company in Tulsa, Okla. and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
