Airline Hydraulics Acquires Maine Controls Distributor

Airline Hydraulics Corp. has acquired a Maine controls distributor in a deal that nearly doubles Airline's overall footprint in New England, officials announced Tuesday.

Airline Hydraulics Corp.The Pennsylvania-based distributor of automation, fluid power and control systems said that Industrial Automation Supply would also expand its controls capabilities. The Portland-based company serves OEMs and contract manufacturers throughout the region, officials said.


"Adding IAS meaningfully rounds out our business in New England," Airline CEO Mark Steffens said in a statement. "Their deep expertise in controls, combined with Airline's long-standing strengths in fluid power, automation and engineered solutions, creates a partnership many companies only aspire to achieve."

Airline said that the company would become IAS, a division of Airline, and maintain its Portland facility. Airline expects to add about 30 IAS employees and hire an additional 10 to bolster the new division’s customer support and technical capabilities.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Airline," said IAS President Chris LeBel. “Their strong reputation, commitment to customer service, technical expertise, and shared culture align perfectly with our values.”