Whitcraft, Paradigm Create Pursuit Aerospace

Aerospace component manufacturers Whitcraft Group and Paradigm Precision announced the completion of their merger in February with a new name.

Pursuit Aerospace was chosen to reflect what company officials described as a commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The merger, announced late last year, represents a major shift in Connecticut’s aerospace manufacturing landscape.

The company will have more than 2,500 employees and over $800 million in annual revenues.

“Pursuit brings together two extraordinarily talented teams to forge an innovative, collaborative, and solution-focused industry leader,” Pursuit’s CEO and former Whitcraft CEO Doug Folsom said. 

“With our newly scaled capabilities, we expect to offer cutting edge innovation and best in class delivery and quality to our OEM customers around the world.”

‘Significant for Connecticut’

Whitcraft, headquartered in East Hartford, manufactures components for commercial and defense engines.

Manchester-based Paradigm makes parts primarily for gas turbine engines and high temperature investment castings.

“Pursuit brings together two extraordinarily talented teams to forge an innovative, collaborative, and solution-focused industry leader.”

Pursuit’s Doug Folsom

Together, Pursuit Aerospace will manufacture complex aircraft engine components, developed through highly integrated processes and lean production systems.

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima called the merger “significant for Connecticut and the global aerospace and defense manufacturing subsector.”

“This new entity is one of Connecticut’s larger tier one aerospace and defense suppliers, and further strengthens Connecticut’s position as one of the top A&D manufacturing locations,” he said.