In the aviation industry, some people leave an impact that lasts far beyond their time with us. Andy Wilson was one of those people. During his time at our portfolio company Stevens Aerospace, Andy set a new standard for success, becoming the first to achieve $10 million in sales in a single year. To recognize his incredible achievement, he was awarded the first-ever $10 Million Sales Award at our annual meeting — a milestone that still stands as an inspiration to the Stevens team today.

Since his passing, Stevens Aerospace has continued this tradition, renaming it the Andy Wilson Award to celebrate those who embody his drive, dedication, and spirit. This year, the company was proud to present the award to Regional Sales Manager, Brian Elmer. A 13-year veteran of Stevens Aerospace, Brian has been a key player in the success of our company, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service to our customers year after year. Read more here.

Portfolio Company Tenax Aerospace was honored to support California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the USDA Forest Service by providing aircraft to help control the fires in Southern California. Our hearts go out to the families and communities devastated by this tragedy, and we deeply thank the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property during this challenging time. To view footage of Tenax planes in action, click here.

NTC Group portfolio company The Entwistle Company has developed a new prototype, in partnership with the US Navy, which functions as a reloading system for destroyer ships. This new technology is called the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM), which promises to slash the time needed for missile reloading, potentially to just days.

This new project comes as Pentagon strategists worry that if fighting broke out in the western Pacific – potentially 5,000 miles from a secure Navy base – destroyers, cruisers and other big warships could run out of vital ammunition within days, or maybe hours. Today, the only U.S. warships that can be sustained indefinitely at sea and continue fighting are 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nine smaller amphibious assault ships, none of which carry vertical missile silos.

TRAM could increase that number roughly fivefold, taking the total to around 100 warships without building a single new hull. At NTC Group, we’re proud to support our portfolio companies as they innovate for the future.

Learn more in the Wall Street Journal article, “China Tensions Prompt U.S. Navy Race to Reload Missiles at Sea.”