Also, military and defense budget cuts may result in reduced demand for the products and manufacturing services of TAT and its subsidiaries. Smaller budgets could result in reduction in the business revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries.

Under Israeli law, the export of certain products and know-how of TAT and its subsidiaries is subject to approval by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Prior to initiating sales proposals for the export of these products and know-how and to the actual shipment of such products or know-how, TAT and its subsidiaries must obtain permits from the Ministry of Defense. TAT and its subsidiaries may not be able to receive in a timely manner, or at all, all the required permits for which they may apply in the future.

Similarly, many countries have laws according to which the export of certain military products, technical designs and spare parts require the prior approval of, or export license from, their governments. This process also applies to our partners and suppliers. If TAT and its subsidiaries or its partners and suppliers are unable to receive all the required permits and/or licenses in a timely manner, or at all, TAT’s revenues may decrease.

Suppliers of some of these components require TAT to place orders with significant lead time to assure supply in accordance with TAT’s requirements. A delay in the supply of these components can significantly delay the delivery of our products and services. If TAT were to engage in a commercial dispute with or be unable to obtain adequate supplies of parts from these suppliers at commercially reasonable prices or required lead time, TAT could experience delays in manufacturing and its financial results could be adversely affected. Increased costs associated with supplied materials or components could increase TAT’s costs and reduce TAT’s profitability if TAT is unable to pass these cost increases on to its customers.

In recent years, the cost of raw materials and components used by TAT has fluctuated significantly due to market and industry conditions. TAT may not be able to recoup future increases in the cost of raw materials or component cost through price increases for its products and services. If TAT is unable to obtain the raw materials required for its operation, TAT could experience delays or disruptions in the provision of its services and its financial results could be adversely affected.

We maintain an inventory of exchangeable units of heat transfer solutions, aviation accessories, aviation components, APUs, landing gears, engine blades and coating materials and other spare parts related to our products and services in various locations, including with third party logistics providers. Due to the long lead time of our suppliers and manufacturing cycles, we need to forecast demand and commit significant resources towards these inventories. As such, we are subject to significant risks in managing the inventory needs of our business, including estimates of the appropriate demand across our products. Should actual market conditions differ from our estimates, our future results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In the future, we may be required to record write-downs of finished products and materials on-hand as a result of future changes in our sales forecasts.

In the years ending December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016,2017, approximately 93%, 91%93% and 92%91% of TAT’s sales, respectively, resulted from TAT’s operations out of Israel. This revenue concentration is subject to various risks, including:

Accordingly, TAT and its subsidiaries may encounter significant difficulties in connection with the sale of their products in international markets.

TAT has pursued, and will continue to pursue, growth opportunities through organic growth as well as acquisition of businesses, products and technologies. For example, in October 2015, TAT completed the acquisition of Turbochrome for approximately $3.5 million, and an additional earn-out payment of $ 0.5 million during 2016.

TAT is unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition will be completed. TAT may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, integrate the acquired businesses into its operations, or expand into new markets. The process of integrating an acquired business may be prolonged due to unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of TAT’s resources, including management attention. Furthermore, once integrated, acquisitions may not achieve comparable levels of revenues, profitability or productivity as TAT’s existing business or otherwise perform as expected. The occurrence of any of these events could harm TAT’s business, financial condition or results of operations. Future acquisitions may require substantial capital resources, which may require TAT to seek additional debt or equity financing.

Future acquisitions by TAT could result in the following, any of which could materially harm TAT’s results of operations or the price of TAT’s ordinary shares:

We may participate in strategic partnerships and joint ventures in a number of countries. For example, in November 2015, we signed a joint venture agreement with Russian-based Engineering, to establish a new facility for the provision of MRO services for heat transfer components in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”). The new company, TAT-Engineering LLC, is based in Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo airport.

Our actions with respect to these affiliated companies may be restricted to some degree by shareholder agreements entered into with our strategic partners. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially harmed if disagreements develop with our partners. Our ability to withdraw funds and dividends from these entities may depend on the consent of partners. If one of our strategic partners becomes subject to investigation, sanctions or liability, TAT might be adversely affected. Furthermore, strategic partnerships in emerging markets are accompanied by risks inherent to those markets, such as an increased probability of a partner defaulting on obligations or losing a partner with important insights in that region. Strategic partnerships in emerging markets are subject to greater risks than strategic partnerships in more developed markets, including significant political, legal and economic risks and risks related to fluctuations in currencies. For example, the value of the Russian currency, has declined significantly in response to political and economic issues since December 31, 2013, and may continue to decline. decline. The significant depreciation of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar may negatively impact our results of operations related to our joint venture in Russia.

The aerospace and defense markets in which TAT competes are subject to technological changes, introduction of new products, changes in customer demands and evolving industry standards. For example, new materials, new structures and 3D printing – a technology based on the principle of joining thin layers of materials, in horizontal cross-section, to build up a real, three-dimensional object from a digital model – may enable the manufacturing of high-quality and new characterization heat exchangers in serial production with a better return of value. The future success of TAT will depend upon its ability to keep pace with technological developments and to timely address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers by supporting existing and new technologies and by developing enhancements to its current products and by introducing new ones.

TAT has entered into multi-year, fixed-price contracts with some of its MRO and OEM customers. Pursuant to these contracts, TAT realizes all the benefits or costs resulting from any increases or decreases in the cost of providing services and products to these customers. Several of TAT’s contracts do not allow TAT to recover for increases in raw material prices, taxes or labor costs, while other contracts may permit, to a limited extent, periodic price adjustments. Any increase in these costs could increase the cost of operating our business and reduce our profitability. Factors such as inaccurate pricing and increases in the cost of labor, materials or overhead may result in cost over-runs and losses on those agreements. TAT may not succeed in obtaining customer approval to re-price a particular product and may not be able to recoup previous losses resulting from incomplete or inaccurate engineering data. In addition, as costs increase, TAT may not be able to pass on such increased costs to other customers. This could materially impact TAT’s profitability.

TAT’s success depends to a large extent on the experience and expertise of its senior management. Any member of TAT’s senior management may choose to end his or her employment with TAT and seek employment with others for any reason. The loss of the expertise of TAT’s senior management through death, disability or an employee’s decision to end his or her employment could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. TAT is not the beneficiary of life or disability insurance covering any of its senior management, key employees or other personnel.

TAT’s results of operations depend in large part on its ability to provide prompt and efficient service to its customers upon receipt of orders, either the manufacture and delivery of OEM products or the provision of MRO services. As a result, any material disruption of TAT’s day-to-day operations could have a material adverse effect on its business, customer relations and profitability. TAT relies on its Gedera and Kiryat Gat, Israel, Kernersville and Greensboro, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities for the manufacture of its OEM products and provision of its MRO services. A war or terrorist act, fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster or condition that significantly damaged or destroyed any of these facilities would have a material adverse effect on the operations of TAT.

Many of TAT’s service and manufacturing processes are dependent on equipment that is not easily repaired or replaced. As a result, unexpected equipment failures could result in production delays or the manufacture of defective products. TAT’s ability to meet its customers’ expectations with respect to on-time delivery of repaired components or quality OEM products is critical. Failure by TAT to meet the quality or delivery expectations of its customers could lead to the loss of one or more of its significant customers.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on TAT and its executives and directors. TAT’s efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) governing internal controls and procedures for financial reporting have resulted in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention. TAT expects these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. TAT may identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in its assessments of its internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities and could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operating results, investor confidence in TAT’s reported financial information and the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to and has not performed an audit of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.

TAT’s business operations and facilities are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the environment, including, but not limited to, regulations that govern the discharge of pollutants and hazardous substances into the air and water and the handling, storage and disposal of such materials. Compliance with such laws as they relate to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances is a significant obligation for TAT at each of its facilities. If it fails to comply with these and other environmental-related laws and regulations, TAT would be subject to serious consequences, including fines and other sanctions, and limitations on its operations due to changes to, or revocations of, the environmental permits applicable to its facilities. The adoption of new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new cleanup requirements could require TAT to incur costs and become subject to new or increased liabilities that could increase TAT’s operating costs and adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our business.

Under certain environmental laws, liability associated with an investigation or remediation of hazardous substances can arise from a broad range of properties, including properties currently or formerly operated by TAT or any of its predecessors, as well as properties to which TAT sent hazardous substances or wastes for treatment, storage, or disposal. Costs and other obligations can arise from claims for toxic torts, natural resource and other damages, as well as the investigation and clean-up of contamination at such properties. Under certain environmental laws, such liability may be imposed jointly and severally, so TAT may be responsible for more than its proportionate share and may even be responsible for the entire liability at issue. The extent of any such liability can be difficult to predict.

TAT is exposed to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that was designed, manufactured, serviced or supplied by TAT. TAT believes that, in an effort to improve operating margins, some customers have delayed the replacement of parts beyond their recommended lifetime, which may undermine aircraft safety and increase the risk of liability of TAT and its subsidiaries.

If any of our products are defective, we could be required to redesign or recall those products or pay substantial damages or warranty claims. Such an event could result in significant expenses, disrupt sales and damage our reputation and that of our products and services. There can be no assurance that TAT will not experience material product liability losses in the future, that it will not incur significant costs to defend such claims, that, although TAT maintains product liability insurance, its insurance coverage will be adequate if claims were to arise or that it would be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. A successful claim brought against TAT or its subsidiaries in excess of its available insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business.

In addition, contractual disputes over warranties can arise in the ordinary course of business. TAT may be subject to requests from customers for cost sharing or pricing adjustments as a part of their commercial relationships, even though the customers had previously agreed to bear these risks.

TAT’s financial statements are stated in dollars, while a portion of TAT’s expenses in Israel, primarily labor expenses, are incurred in NIS and a portion of its revenues are quoted in NIS and in Euro. Additionally, certain assets, as well as a portion of TAT’s liabilities, are denominated in NIS. Because exchange rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, exchange rate fluctuations, particularly larger periodic devaluations, may have an impact on TAT’s profitability and period to period comparisons of TAT’s results. TAT’s results may be adversely affected by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar (or if such devaluation is on a lagging basis), if TAT’s revenues in NIS are higher than TAT’s expenses in NIS and/ or the value of TAT’s assets in NIS are higher than TAT’s liabilities in NIS. Alternatively, TAT’s results may be adversely affected by an appreciation of the NIS in relation to the dollar (or if such appreciation is on a lagging basis), if TAT’s expenses in NIS are higher than TAT’s revenues in NIS and/or TAT’s liabilities in NIS are higher than TAT’s assets in NIS. From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions to attempt to limit the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. However, the protection provided by such hedging transactions may be partial and leave certain exchange rate-related losses and risks uncovered. Therefore, our business and profitability may be harmed by such exchange rate fluctuations.

TAT’s ordinary shares have experienced significant market price and volume fluctuations in the past and may experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future, in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond TAT’s control:

Equity stock markets can undergo extreme price and volume fluctuations. Market fluctuations, as well as political and economic conditions, such as a recession, interest rate or currency rate fluctuations and political events or hostilities in or surrounding Israel, could adversely affect the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares.

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. TAT may be the target of similar litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources both of which could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business and results of operations.

TAT’s principal shareholders, FIMI Israel Opportunity FIVE, Limited Partnership and FIMI Opportunity V, L.P. (“FIMI” or the “FIMI Funds”), beneficially own together 59.21% of TAT’s outstanding shares. If FIMI sells a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares or if the perception exists that FIMI may sell a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares, the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares may fall. Any substantial sales of TAT’s shares in the public market may also impede our ability to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time, in a place and on terms TAT deems appropriate.

TAT is incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel. TAT’s executive offices, its research and development facilities and main manufacturing plant are also located in Israel. As a result, political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel directly influence TAT. Any major hostilities involving Israel, a full or partial mobilization of reserve forces of the Israeli army, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners, or a significant downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Since its establishment in 1948, Israel and its Arab neighbors have engaged in a number of armed conflicts. A state of hostility, varying from time to time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic challenges for Israel. Major hostilities between Israel and its neighbors may hinder Israel’s international trade and lead to economic downturn. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operations and business. In recent years, there has been an escalation in violence among Israel, Hamas (which controls the Gaza Strip), the Palestinian Authority (which controls in the West Bank) and other groups, as well as extensive hostilities along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip such as the missiles fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel during the summer of 2014. Ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians as well as tension between Israel and its Arab neighbors and Iran may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial conditions and results of operations.

Furthermore, there are a number of countries, primarily Arab and Muslim countries, that restrict or frown upon business with Israel or Israeli companies, and TAT is precluded from marketing its products to these countries. Restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel or Israeli companies may have an adverse impact on TAT’s operations, TAT’s financial results or the expansion of TAT’s business.

Many of TAT’s employees and some of TAT’s directors and senior management based in Israel are obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”) and may be called for active duty under emergency circumstances at any time. If a military conflict or war arises, these individuals could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. TAT’s operations could be disrupted by the absence of one or more of its senior management, key employees or a significant number of other employees for a significant period due to military service. Any such disruption in TAT’s operations could adversely affect TAT’s business.

TAT is incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of TAT’s ordinary shares are governed by TAT’s memorandum of association, articles of association and by Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, each shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes on, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company, or a shareholder who knows that he or she possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the company, has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law currently does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revision in recent years, there is relatively little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.

Israeli corporate law regulates mergers, requires tender offers for acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers or significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to these types of transactions. Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions unappealing to TAT or to some of TAT’s shareholders. These provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult an acquisition of TAT, which could prevent a change of control and therefore depress the price of TAT’s shares.

TAT is incorporated in Israel and the majority of TAT’s executive officers and directors reside outside the United States. Service of process upon them may be difficult to effect within the United States. Furthermore, many of TAT’s assets and most of the assets of TAT’s executive officers and directors are located outside the United States. Therefore, a judgment obtained against TAT or certain of its executive officers and directors in the United States, including one based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be collectible in the United States and may not be enforced by an Israeli court. It also may be difficult for you to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. However, subject to certain time limitations and other conditions, Israeli courts may enforce final judgments of U.S. courts for liquidated amounts in civil matters, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of those and similar acts.

As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on NASDAQ, TAT is permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of such requirements must submit to NASDAQ in advance a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the SEC or on its website each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer instead of any such requirement. For example, Israel’s corporate governance or laws require that TAT obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as for the establishment or amendment of certain equity-based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of TAT, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in TAT and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company, which are not required by NASDAQ.

TAT was incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in April 1985 under the name Galaxy Graphics Ltd. TAT changed its name to Galagraph Ltd. in August 1986 and to TAT Technologies Ltd. in May 1992. TAT is a public limited liability company under the Israeli Companies Law 1999-5759, (“Israeli Companies Law”), and operates under this law and associated legislation. TAT’s registered offices and principal place of business are located at Re’em Industrial Park, Neta Boulevard, Bnei Ayish, Gedera 70750002 Israel and its telephone number is +972-8-826-8500. TAT’s website is www.tat-technologies.com. The information on TAT’S website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.

TAT was founded in 1985 to develop the computerized systems business of its then parent company, TAT Industries Ltd. (“TAT Industries”), a publicly-held Israeli corporation then engaged in the manufacture and sale of aeronautical equipment. In December 1991, TAT acquired the heat exchange operations of TAT Industries and in 2000, TAT purchased the remaining operations of TAT Industries relating to the manufacture and maintenance of aviation accessories and leased certain of its properties.

In March 1987, TAT completed the initial public offering of its securities in the United States. TAT was listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (then known as the NASDAQ National Market) from its initial public offering until July 1998 when the listing of TAT’s ordinary shares was transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market. On June 24, 2009, TAT’s ordinary shares resumed trading on the NASDAQ Global Market. Since August 2005 TAT’s shares have been traded also on the TASE.

Today TAT is a provider of a variety of solutions and services to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries through its Gedera facility, as well as through its subsidiaries, Limco and Piedmont in the U.S. (Limco and Piedmont are held by TAT through Limco-Piedmont, Inc. (“Limco-Piedmont”)) and Turbochrome in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

In 2005, Limco acquired Piedmont, a company certified by the FAA to perform MRO services of APUs and landing gears. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, Piedmont’s FAA-certified repair station provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, especially for landing gears and APUs.

In July 2007, Limco-Piedmont completed an initial public offering of its common stock and Limco-Piedmont’s shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (symbol: LIMC) until July 2, 2009, when TAT acquired all of the publicly held shares of Limco-Piedmont (approximately 32% of Limco-Piedmont’s total shares) in a stock for stock merger. As a result of such merger, Limco-Piedmont again became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TAT.

Following a series of transactions occurring between March 2008 and March 2009, TAT acquired 70% control of Bental Industries Ltd. In February 2014, TAT sold its entire interest in Bental Industries Ltd to Bental Investments Agshah Ltd. for an aggregate consideration of $5 million.

On December 4, 2009, TAT, through its subsidiary Piedmont, signed an investment agreement with FAvS. According to the agreement, Piedmont was issued 288,334 shares of Class B common stock of FAvS, representing 37% of FAvS' then share capital (total number of shares acquired was subsequently adjusted as result of a 1 for 20 reverse stock split) and $750,000 of FAvS preferred shares (entitled to cash dividends at an annual rate of 12% payable quarterly or to additional preferred shares at an annual rate of 15%) in return for Piedmont's propeller and parts businesses.

 

In October 2015, TAT acquired Turbochrome, a company certified by the FAA and EASA to perform overhaul and coating of jet engine components, including turbine vanes and blades and fan blades.

In November 2015, TAT entered into an agreement with Engineering to establish a new MRO facility in Russia. The new company, TAT-Engineering LLC, is based in Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo airport and is providing services of minor repair, overhaul and recore for heat transfer components in Russia and the CIS. According to the joint venture agreement, TAT owns 51% of TAT-Engineering's shares and the remaining 49% are held by Engineering.

TAT Technologies Ltd. is a leading provider of solutions and services to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries focused mainly on two product areas and services: Thermal Management and Power and Actuation. TAT operates under four segments: (i) OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories through its Gedera facility; (ii) MRO services for heat transfer components and OEM of heat transfer solutions through its Limco subsidiary; (iii) MRO services for aviation components through its Piedmont subsidiary; and (iv) overhaul and coating of jet engine components through its Turbochrome subsidiary.

TAT’s activities in the area of OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories through its Gedera facility primarily include the design, development and manufacture of (i) a broad range of heat transfer solutions, such as pre-coolers heat exchangers and oil/fuel hydraulic heat exchangers, used in mechanical and electronic systems on board commercial, military and business aircraft; (ii) environmental control and power electronics cooling systems installed on board aircraft and ground applications; and (iii) a variety of other mechanical aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, and turbine power units.

TAT’s activities in the area of MRO and OEM of heat transfer solutions include the MRO of heat transfer components and to a lesser extent, the manufacturing of certain heat transfer solutions. TAT’s Limco subsidiary operates an FAA-certified repair station, which provides heat transfer MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

TAT’s activities in the area of MRO services for aviation components include the MRO of APUs, landing gears and other aircraft components. TAT’s Piedmont subsidiary operates an FAA-certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

TAT’s activities in the area of jet engine overhaul through its Turbochrome facility includes the overhaul and coating of jet engine components, including turbine vanes and blades, fan blades, variable inlet guide vanes and afterburner flaps.

TAT is an OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries, primarily through its Gedera facility. The main OEM activity at our Gedera facility is the design and manufacture of a comprehensive line of heat exchangers and cold plates. Heat transfer solutions facilitate removal and dissipation of heat generated during the operation of mechanical and electronic systems. Gedera’s heat transfer solutions are generally integrated into complete cooling systems. Using proprietary technological expertise, we design each heat transfer product to meet the specific space, power, performance and other needs of our customers. Gedera’s heat transfer solutions are marketed worldwide for applications in commercial and military aircraft and electronic systems, the primary users of such equipment. Gedera’s customers include, Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A. (“Liebherr”), Boeing Aircraft Company (“Boeing”), Israel Aerospace Industries, (“IAI”), Cessna Aircraft Company (“Cessna”), Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (“Pilatus”), Embraer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. (“Embraer”), Eaton Aerospace LLC (“Eaton”), Parker Hannifin Corporation (“Parker”), Bell Helicopter, as well as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy and other air forces from around the world. Such supply contracts are generally long-term engagements that may have terms of ten years or more.

As part of its OEM activities, Gedera is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of complete cooling systems. This product line principally includes cooling systems for electronic systems (used in airborne military platforms) and ground cooling systems (used in military facilities, tents, vehicles and other military applications).

In addition, Gedera designs, develops and manufactures aviation flow control accessories. These accessories include components, such as valves and pumps. Customers for Gedera’s aviation accessories include Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed Martin”), Boeing, Continental Motors (“Continental”), the Israel Air Force (“IAF”), IAI, Elbit Systems (“Elbit”), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (“Rafael”), as well as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and other air forces from around the world.

Gedera also provides limited MRO services to military customers, mainly for aviation accessories as well as for certain heat transfer solutions. Gedera currently overhauls emergency power units, hydrazine tanks, jet fuel starters, cooling turbines and various valves for the F-16 fighter aircraft. In addition, Gedera overhauls anti-icing valves and starters for the Blackhawk and Apache helicopters. The customers for Gedera’s MRO services include the IAF, IAI, various NATO countries, as well as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

Gedera relies on highly qualified personnel and strong engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities that enable it to support its customers from the early program development phase to prototype delivery.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Gedera operates to be significant based on the scope of development projects and purchasing processes of its customers. Many of the projects Gedera is engaged in are lengthy and complex, which account for its long-term supplier relationships and the customer loyalty it enjoys. TAT plans to expand its Gedera operations in the OEM segment, among other things, by increasing the scope of work with its existing strategic customers, establishing relationships with new customers, increasing its capabilities in complete systems/subsystems manufacturing, and by targeting strategic territories with high commercial potential.

Through its Limco subsidiary TAT provides MRO services and OEM services to the aerospace and ground defense industries in the field of heat transfer. Limco’s FAA-certified repair station provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, OEMs, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military. Limco is also certified by the EASA, the Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (“DCA”), the Civil Aviation Administration of Indonesia (“DGCA”), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”). Limco has also recently attained NADCAP certification for dye penetrant testing, welding and welding.heat treating. Limco specializes in MRO services for components of aircraft, such as heat transfer components and ozone converters. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that aircraft components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Aircraft heat transfer components typically require MRO services, including repairs and installation of replacement units, after two to five years of service or sooner if required. Aircraft manufacturers typically provide warranties on new aircraft and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period. Limco’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components and subsystems. Limco’s customers include major U.S. domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers, OEMs such as commercial and military aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors, and the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard). MRO contracts with these types of customers are generally long-term engagements and may have terms of one to five years or more.

Limco enjoys a strong reputation among customers for its competitive pricing and fast turnaround time. It is recognized by leading OEMs of aerospace products to provide MRO services for their heat transfer solutions. For example, Limco is a well-recognized Collins Aerospace (Hamilton Sundstrand) repair center, providing MRO services for many of its heat transfer solutions.

In addition to its MRO services, Limco also manufactures, on an OEM basis, heat transfer solutions used in commercial, regional, business and military aviation platforms. Customers for Limco’s heat transfer solutions include Boeing, the Defense Supply Center, Parker Hannifin, Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”), BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter, Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division, Cobham plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Limco operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Limco along with the customer loyalty Limco enjoys. TAT plans to expand its Limco operations, among other things, by developing OEM and MRO capabilities for additional types of heat transfer products with significant commercial potential.

Piedmont is licensed by Honeywell as an authorized repair center to provide MRO services for several types of its APU models. Piedmont has excellent working relationships with the major landing gear manufacturers as well.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Piedmont operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Piedmont. TAT plans to expand its Piedmont operations in the MRO segment by using Piedmont’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of APU and landing gears applications as well as other aircraft systems/components with significant commercial potential and by offering additional supplementary services such as machining, plating and grinding (“MPG”).

Through its subsidiary Turbochrome, TAT provides MRO services for jet engine components to the aerospace industry. Turbochrome’s FAA- and EASA-certified repair station provides its services mainly to maintenance service centers, airlines and the military. Turbochrome specializes in MRO services for engine components such as turbine vanes and blades, compressor vanes and blades, fan blades and after burner flaps. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that engine components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Commercial engine components typically require MRO services after three to five years of service or sooner if required. Engine manufacturers typically provide warranties on new engines and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period.  Turbochrome’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components. Turbochrome’s customers include domestic and international airlines, maintenance service centers and the military.

Turbochrome also specializes in the manufacturing of coating powders (for pack cementation aluminide coatings) and masking materials (for the prevention of coating in defined areas) used in the aviation industry. Turbochrome provides these materials to OEMs and to maintenance service centers.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Turbochrome operates to be significant based on the number of jet engines requiring MRO services provided by Turbochrome. Turbochrome plans to expand its operations in the MRO segment by using Turbochrome’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of jet engine components with significant commercial potential.