The aerospace and defense industry globally will be facing tough and contradictory burdens in the next few years, as the need to meet an anticipated 25% jump in commercial-aircraft deliveries by 2014 contrasts with further belt-tightening of nations’ defense budgets in the wake of widespread budget deficits – both of which could lead to severe supply-chain pressures. That’s according to a study released today by AlixPartners, the global business-advisory firm.
“While bruised, the aerospace and defense industry emerged from the economic downturn in better shape than most industries, due largely to …

Ducommun to Acquire LaBarge
LaBarge, Inc., a provider of EMS, and Ducommun Incorporated, a provider of engineering and manufacturing services to the aerospace and defense industry, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ducommun will acquire LaBarge for a purchase price of $19.25 per share in cash.
The transaction is valued at approximately $340 million, including debt assumed and net of cash acquired. The acquisition requires LaBarge stockholder approval and is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed in late June 2011. …

A big topic in the last few years has been the occurrence of (and the damage caused by) the growth of tin whiskers in high-profile and high-reliability products.  Elusive, often misunderstood, and difficult to prevent; tin whiskers have posed significant problems.  In fact, even just two weeks ago TechEye.net was speculating that tin whiskers may be behind the massive Toyota recalls. Whether the whiskers are out to race cars, or are turning into conductive plasma arcs capable of carrying hundreds of amps, it is clear that they are a force …