John Wolz

Precision Castparts Corp. agreed to acquire Seattle-based Fatigue Technology Inc.

In 1969, FTI pioneered the cold expansion process, which extends fatigue life in both metal and composite airframe fastener holes. The cold expansion process involves radial expansion of an existing hole, imparting residual compressive stress around the hole, and extending fatigue life. All products manufactured by FTI, including split sleeves, bushings, rivetless nut plates, blind nuts, and fittings, utilize the cold expansion process in their installation and are specified by the airframe manufacturer to obtain the desired fatigue life benefits. Web: fatiguetech.com

“The acquisition of FTI continues our efforts to grow and enhance our critical aerospace fastener product offering,” CEO Mark Donegan said. “The company fits squarely with all our core competency targets, and its sales are nearly 100% to the aerospace market. FTI is the technology leader in fatigue life extension for airframe applications, and we will look to leverage their expertise and knowledge base across our other fastener businesses.”

The cash acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, after which FTI’s results will be reported as part of the Fastener Products segment.

Portland, OR-based Precision Castparts Corp. is a global manufacturer of complex metal components and products for the aerospace, power generation, automotive, and general industrial and other markets. PCC products include large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged components used in jet aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines; engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace, automotive and other markets; and supplies metal alloys and other materials to the casting and forging industry. Web: precast.com
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