Holland, OH – April 28, 2006 – Tronair, Inc., a leading manufacturer of quality aircraft ground support equipment for general aviation, corporate/business aircraft, military, regional and commercial airlines, today announced the acquisition of JETporter, Inc., a recognized leader in the aircraft towing industry.
The new wholly owned subsidiary of Tronair will engineer, manufacture and distribute electric towbarless tugs to original equipment manufacturers (OEM), general aviation, corporate/business aircraft, fixed base operators (FBO), commercial and regional airlines, governments and military organizations around the world. JETporter tugs currently can handle aircraft from single engine pistons to 100,000 lb. aircrafts.
Tronair President and CEO Ken Greene said the appeal of JETporter is their reputation for superior products. "Tronair is the distinct market leader for many ground support equipment products and JETporter's products are a natural fit," said Greene. "Our strong engineering team has identified additional designs that will hit the market soon to support the expanding customer demand for towbarless tugs. The combination will allow JETporter to meet customer expectations on delivery and product support with offices and service centers in the USA, Europe and Asia."
JETporter President Steve Hill said the move will enable JETporter to further meet the needs of the company’s growing customer base. "We have had incredible growth beyond my expectations," said Hill. "Joining Tronair will allow us to take advantage of their manufacturing capacity and global marketing and product support coverage which will be an increased value to our customers."
While JETporter is one of several aircraft tug companies in the nation, they are one of only two that produce electric nose wheel lifting tugs, making them a leader in fighting the growing air quality problem at airports across America. With JETporter's ability to move aircraft without using tow bars, the job of repositioning aircraft has become more productive, Hill said.
River Capital acquired Tronair in 2000. River Capital, www.river-capital.com, founded in 1983, is a private investment firm which organizes and invests in the acquisitions of select, well-established middle market companies. River Capital is one of the oldest firms of its type in the southeast and has acquired companies in a broad range of industries with combined revenues of over $600 million.
For information regarding Tronair products, parts and service visit www.tronair.com or call customer service at 419-866-6301.
