Web Industries expands aerospace prepreg composites formatting business in Europe

Web Industries Inc. (Marlborough, Mass., U.S.), formatter of advanced materials including high performance composites used in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets, announced Jan. 29 that Web Industries International Holdings has acquired 100% of the shares of Omega Systèmes Atlantique (Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, France) and Omega Systèmes Aquitaine (Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, France), companies specializing in the formatting of advanced materials for aerospace, defense and industrial applications at production sites in Nantes and Bordeaux.

Omega’s formatting technologies, include precision slitting, waterjet cutting and 5 axis machining, along with ply cutting and kitting. The Omega acquisition is part of Web’s global strategy to provide services and engineering to support aerospace customers’ demand for formatting and materials management services.

“The acquisition of Omega Systèmes is a textbook strategic fit, bringing together the premier U.S. and EU formatters of advanced materials for aerospace,” says Web Industries’ CEO Mark Pihl. “Customers in Europe will soon have access to Web Industries’ technology, systems and scale to support large commercial programs and Web will have local production facilities to meet the demand of Europe’s largest aerospace manufacturers and suppliers. At the same time, many of Omega’s unique capabilities will benefit customers in the North American market.” 

Jean-Louis Bretin, founder and CEO of Omega, adds, “The aerospace industry is entering a new growth phase, which requires large investments for continued sustainable growth. With Web Industries, we have found the right partner to expand and scale Omega’s leading role in advanced composites.”

Jean-Louis Bretin will continue to lead Omega and report to Kevin Young, Web Industries’ vice president of Corporate Development.

“Jean-Louis Bretin has shown repeatedly that he understands the market and knows when to adjust his strategy,” says Young. “His leadership capabilities, vision, strong customer relationships and knowledge of the aerospace industry will help drive Web’s growth across the continent.”

Transfer of ownership of both companies is effective Jan. 25, 2019.