APEX Space & Defense Systems

Employee Size

201-500

Organization Type

Privately Held

Headquarters

Cleveland, OH

APEX Space & Defense Systems unites three composite businesses whose histories reach back to 1965, including All-American Racers, founded by Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby. Today, the group serves space, defense and mission-critical communications customers through vertically integrated manufacturing, with more than 400 employees and over 300,000 square feet of facilities. Its heritage also includes composite work developed for NASA’s Space Shuttle program.

• Applied Aerospace & DefenseWith more than 120 years of manufacturing heritage, Applied Aerospace & Defense designs and vertically manufactures complex hardware and mission-critical systems for space and defense platforms. Its nationwide operation supports work from rapid prototypes through large-scale production and aftermarket sustainment, with particular depth in spacecraft structures, advanced materials and airborne systems. Applied operates 11 facilities across six states and employs more than 1,300 skilled professionals.CINCINNATI, OH
• Hexcel CorporationFounded in 1948 from a Northern California basement laboratory, Hexcel Corporation manufactures advanced composite materials that make aircraft and other transportation platforms lighter, stronger and tougher. Its history includes producing honeycomb materials for the Apollo 11 lunar module, and today the company operates 18 manufacturing sites with about 5,800 employees serving aerospace, defense and industrial customers worldwide.336413ST CLAIR, PA
• Solestra GroupWith a collective history of more than 100 years, Solestra Group unites specialized manufacturing businesses serving demanding aerospace and defense programs across three North American hubs. The group has grown to more than 360 employees at six sites, supporting customers from new product development through production and sustainment, with AERO Engineering carrying more than 75 years of experience in mission-critical aircraft spares.WILLOW GROVE, PA
• Advanced Composite Products, IncFounded in 1983 by racer Kerry Hitt, Harrisburg’s Advanced Composite Products fabricates custom composite parts entirely in-house, from design and prototyping through production. Its 35,000-square-foot facility serves demanding projects ranging from race-car bodywork to aircraft and government components, including parts for Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s Dragonfly drone destined for Titan. ACP’s racing roots remain visible in its wind-tunnel-tested race bodies and parts, shaped by Hitt’s experience as a driver and composite manufacturer.HARRISBURG, PA