Woodward, Inc. has agreed to sell its pilot controls product line and associated services to Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing. The deal covers a portfolio of commercial and defense pilot controls—including throttle quadrant assemblies, rudder pedals, and passive side sticks—currently produced at Woodward’s Niles, Illinois facility.
Under the agreement, Woodward will continue to supply certain engineered electromechanical components to Ontic and will provide transition services for nine to twelve months after closing to ensure uninterrupted customer delivery. The transaction is part of Woodward’s broader portfolio transformation plan, which has already seen the company shed non‑core assets and invest in next‑generation aerospace platforms.
Woodward’s strategy is to concentrate resources on high‑margin aerospace and industrial controls, a focus underscored by recent wins such as the A350 spoiler actuator contract and the expansion of its Spartanburg facility. By divesting the pilot controls line, the company can allocate capital and engineering effort to these growth areas while maintaining a long‑term supply relationship with Ontic.
Woodward’s president of the Aerospace Segment, Shawn McLevige, said the agreement “reflects our long‑term strategy to optimize our portfolio and invest in our core growth areas across aerospace commercial and defense products and services.” Ontic CEO Gareth Hall added that the deal “will allow Woodward to focus on advancing next‑generation aviation technologies, while customers benefit from our proven expertise in long‑term product support.”
Woodward’s Q1 2026 results—net sales of $996 million and EPS of $2.17—highlight the company’s strong performance in aerospace and industrial segments. The divestiture aligns with the company’s goal of sharpening its focus on high‑margin, core growth areas, reinforcing the narrative that Woodward is actively reshaping its business to capture future opportunities in aerospace and defense.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.