Ontic acquires compass specialist SIRS Navigation

Ontic, producer of critical civil and military aircraft parts, has today announced its acquisition of SIRS Navigation, a business specialising in the design and manufacture of high quality, precision standby magnetic compasses for the global aviation industry.

Based in Kent, England, SIRS Navigation has designed, manufactured and supported high-quality magnetic compasses for over 60 years. Recognised as a specialist manufacturer of standby aviation compasses, the company’s products are installed on virtually every major commercial and business aviation platform, spanning fixed-wing and rotorcraft, with tens of thousands of units in service worldwide.

The company supplies compasses into OEM production lines and provides replacement units directly to operators and distributors across the aftermarket. It also operates a comprehensive 24/7 global product support network to ensure fast resolution of logistical and technical issues for operators worldwide. Its compass designs, originally acquired from GE Aerospace, have been continuously improved in-house, to develop a lightweight, efficient compass that is the global market leader in its field. SIRS Navigation offers custom design capability to meet individual customer and platform requirements.

Why the strategic acquisition should ensure continuity

The acquisition of SIRS Navigation reflects Ontic’s commitment to investing in specialist aerospace businesses with strong intellectual property and embedded platform presence, ensuring continuity, growth and long-term success for their customers and people.

JC Gallagher, Ontic’s new CEO said: “SIRS Navigation has built an outstanding reputation over more than half a century – a market-leading position, a loyal customer base and a brand that is trusted across the industry. This acquisition is about providing continuity and long-term commitment to its customers, while giving the business a home where it can continue to thrive.

“SIRS Navigation is joining a global business with 10 sites, more than 1,900 employees and decades of experience manufacturing and supporting critical aviation components. This gives SIRS Navigation access to the scale, investment and infrastructure of a much larger aerospace group, without changing what has made the business so successful.”

Maisie Bylett, Commercial Director, Sirs Navigation said: “This marks an exciting milestone for SIRS Navigation. I am extremely proud of the company history and the accomplishments made as a small company in a challenging sector. Ontic is a strong strategic fit for our business, our people and our customers.

“Being part of a global aerospace business, with deep OEM and MRO expertise provides the scale, investment and long-term stability needed to continue to meet the high levels of quality, service and reliability our customers expect. This new chapter will build on our core values, whilst providing increased scale to support our customers.”