EDM Ltd today announced the acquisition of Safety Training Systems, Inc. (STS), a highly respected US-based provider of custom training devices and precision-engineered simulation hardware.
EDM has built a strong international reputation for delivering complex, high-performance training systems, supported by fully integrated in-house design, manufacturing and project management capabilities. STS, established in 1978 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, brings complementary expertise as a trusted supplier of cabin crew and military training devices, with deep experience supporting prime contractors and airlines worldwide.
This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone in EDM’s growth trajectory, expanding its footprint in North America and enhancing its ability to deliver end-to-end training solutions at scale.
Strategic Rationale and Benefits
The combination of EDM and STS creates a highly complementary platform with clear operational and commercial synergies:
•Expanded Global Reach: The acquisition provides EDM with an established US manufacturing base, strengthening proximity to key aerospace and defence customers and enabling improved responsiveness across North America.
•Enhanced Manufacturing Capability: STS’s 80,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art facility and expertise in fabrication, assembly, and advanced manufacturing processes will augment EDM’s existing UK operations, increasing overall production capacity and flexibility.
•Broader Product Offering: Both organisations share a strong heritage in aviation training devices—including cabin crew trainers, evacuation systems, and military simulators—creating opportunities to expand product portfolios and deliver more integrated, turnkey solutions.
•Complementary Engineering Expertise: STS’s strengths in design-to-spec and build-to-print manufacturing, combined with EDM’s systems integration and simulation expertise, will accelerate innovation and reduce development lead times.
•Stronger Position with Prime Contractors: The combined entity will be better positioned to support major aerospace and defence primes through enhanced scale, capability, and geographic coverage.
Opportunities for Growth
The acquisition unlocks multiple avenues for value creation:
•Cross-Selling Opportunities: Leveraging each company’s established customer relationships to introduce complementary products and services across both commercial aviation and defence markets.
•Supply Chain Optimisation: Increased vertical integration and dual-site manufacturing will improve resilience, reduce risk, and enhance cost efficiency.
•Innovation and R&D: Joint investment in next-generation simulation technologies, including advanced materials, digital integration, and rapid prototyping capabilities.
•Market Expansion: Strengthened ability to pursue larger, multi-region contracts and long-term framework agreements with global customers.
Leadership Commentary
Tony Bermingham, CEO of EDM Ltd, commented:“Bringing STS into the EDM group is a natural and strategic step. Both organisations share a commitment to engineering excellence, customer focus, and delivering mission-critical training solutions. This acquisition significantly enhances our global capabilities and positions us for the next phase of growth.”
Andy Bartovick, the new CEO & President of STS, added:“EDM is an ideal partner for STS. Our combined expertise, resources, and market access will allow us to better serve our customers and accelerate innovation. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration creates for our employees and clients alike.”
Integration and Outlook
STS will continue to operate from its Tulsa facility, maintaining its strong customer relationships and operational expertise, while benefiting from EDM’s global infrastructure, supply chain, and programme management capabilities.
Together, EDM and STS will form a strengthened, transatlantic organisation dedicated to delivering world-class training and simulation solutions to the aerospace and defence industries.
Held at Sandhurst, the competition showcased how drones are being integrated into reconnaissance, targeting and support roles as the Army adapts to emerging battlefield technologies.
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Forfield has been launched by four industry partners to improve supply chain visibility, resilience and equipment availability for UK defence organisations.
Held at Sandhurst, the competition showcased how drones are being integrated into reconnaissance, targeting and support roles as the Army adapts to emerging battlefield technologies.
Growing concern over drone and missile threats has intensified the debate around UK air defence, with "Britannia Shield" intended to strengthen protection for critical national infrastructure and military sites.
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
Working with SoftBank Corp., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated the successful integration of a new communications payload into its unmanned MQ-9B platform, designed for situations where cellular services are unavailable.
