Venice aviation repair company acquired for $50M

Aviation distribution and repair services company VSE Corporation of Miramar has acquired Turbine Weld Industries, a Venice-based aviation repair company, for approximately $50 million. VSE paid cash using the company’s existing credit facility, according to a statement.

Turbine Weld, which repairs and overhauls aviation equipment like engine-associated parts on Substation Road off US 41, employs 60 staff.

“We’re excited to join forces with VSE Aviation," Turbine Weld Industries President Dave Bush says in a statement. “Their reputation, customer focus, strong culture and commitment to technical excellence make this a natural fit for our employees and strengthens our overall service level to our customers.”

Turbine Weld services parts for aircrafts such as medevac and police helicopters as well as airplanes. Parts must be repaired and then certified before being placed in service. In some cases, the company can make repairs that no other facility in the world is capable of handling. 

The company has repaired more than 80,000 components since its founding in 1986, according to a statement, which says Turbine Weld has developed numerous proprietary repair specifications and serves as the sole-source provider for many repairs on two of the most widely used engines in the business and general aviation market.

In recent years as word has spread about its expertise, demand has spiked. There has been a 1,200% increase in volume of parts sent to Turbine Weld Industries for repair and overhaul since 2018, Bush told the Business Observer last year, when there was a months-long backlog of work. The company at the time was investing in a new building, machinery and employees. 

Through the acquisition, VSE also plans to invest in Turbine Weld’s operational capacity to meet “increasing demand and accelerate growth opportunities,” according to a statement. 

“Turbine Weld’s proven track record, technical depth and dedication to quality make them an outstanding addition to VSE Aviation,” VSE Corporation COO Ben Thomas says in a statement. “This partnership allows us to significantly increase Turbine Weld’s capacity, broaden our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

VSE Corporation posted $861 million in revenue for 2023 and has more than 850 employees around the world. It consists of two divisions: aviation and fleet.

“This acquisition marks another important step in the strategic expansion of our aviation services business,” President and CEO of VSE Corporation John Cuomo says in a statement. “Turbine Weld brings industry-leading expertise in complex engine component repair, further positioning VSE as a comprehensive solutions provider to our OEM and aftermarket partners. We are thrilled to welcome the Turbine Weld team and look forward to growing together.”