Rotor Blade Repair Specialist To Expand Into New Military, Commercial Markets

Composite Technology, Inc., has a powerful new value proposition for operators. Now part of Keystone Ranger Holdings, CTI has joined with the company’s other operating subsidiary, Keystone Helicopter, to offer its customers a comprehensive range of services.

In addition to manufacturer-approved rotor blades and composite manufacturing and repair, CTI will be able to offer fleet operators engines and accessories. The ability to focus on these high cost drivers, plus the opportunity to become part of a larger service entity, has made the transition to new ownership surprisingly easy for Mike Topa, CTI President.

“I was happy to be part of Avesta and had a great relationship with my partners there,” Topa said. “Keystone Ranger Holdings has the same kind of investment-oriented approach to quality that Avesta did—the only difference is now we can offer single-source capabilities on a broader range of services, plus the kind of cost-efficiencies that were previously unavailable.”

Headquartered in Grand Prairie (TX), CTI also has facilities in Winnipeg, Canada, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Singapore and Andover, England. The company performs manufacturer-approved repairs on rotor blades for almost every helicopter on the market, backed by licensing agreements with Agusta, Bell, Eurocopter, Kazan Helicopters, MD Helicopters, Schweizer and Sikorsky. Customers can also take advantage of various STCs, field repairs, one of the industry’s most comprehensive warranties -- 2000 hours or three years -- a rental pool of spare rotor blades and a rotor blade exchange program.

CTI plans to move aggressively into new military and commercial markets, armed with a reputation “built on the ground,” as Topa puts it. “We’ve laid the groundwork and strategically positioned industry veterans around the world,” he said. “CTI has a unique combination of quality, value and cost-efficiency—all offered at an accelerated operational tempo—which is exactly what the large operators need.”

“We think 2005 is going to be a breakout year for CTI,” Steve Townes, Chairman and CEO of Keystone Ranger Holdings, said. “The company has an all-star lineup of technicians and service personnel, and their commitment to quality could have some major players re-evaluating longstanding relationships.”

FMI: www.rotorblades.com, www.keystonehelicopter.com, www.rangeraerospace.com