Executive Spotlight: John Albers, President & CEO of Albers Aerospace

William McCormick, ExecutiveBiz.com, March 15, 2022

John Albers, president and CEO of Albers Aerospace, recently spoke with ExecutiveBiz regarding the company’s rebrand from the Albers Group as well as his growth initiatives and capabilities in manufacturing and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) training.

In addition, Albers also discussed the recent acquisition of Heritage Aviation and its impact on systems engineering, manned and unmanned aviation services. He also revealed the core values of Albers Aerospace’s culture and his perspective on continuing to develop his workforce during the latest Executive Spotlight interview.

“I want to continue as a leader to evaluate our capabilities and look for different ways that we can improve as technology continues to develop. There will be new things that make us more effective against our near peer threats. Despite being a small company, we think about that and we want to work hard to deliver that value.”

Albers Aerospace Signs $5M Engineering and Manufacturing Goods and Services Term Sheet

Albers Aerospace, the exclusive DoD license holder of the Vortex hybrid electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft, is partnering with Hop Flyt.

McKinney, TX, US, March 11, 2022 – Albers Aerospace, the exclusive DoD license holder of the Vortex hybrid electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed by Hop Flyt, has entered into an agreement with Hop Flyt to provide engineering and manufacturing services, valued at $5M. This investment aims to enhance the design, development and production of the military versions of the Hop Flyt eVTOL design and increases the Albers Aerospace equity position in Hop Flyt.

“Albers Aerospace believes in Hop Flyt. We also believe in the military application of the technology in the Group 3 and Group 5 classifications. We view the increased investment in engineering and manufacturing services as good stewardship of our resources and the right thing to do for our Warfighter. We are aggressive about moving quickly to bring this revolutionary eVTOL aircraft to the Warfighter at an affordable price point,” said John Albers, President and CEO of Albers Aerospace.

The Group 5 military version of the Hop Flyt design, aptly named “Vortex”, will be a hybrid eVTOL that is designed to be capable of flying at 200 knots, at a range of over 500nm with a useful load over 1000 lb.

The Group 3 military version will be capable of endurance in the 15-18 hour range with mission-relatable payloads to meet current and future Warfighter needs.

Hop Flyt has achieved successful flight demonstrations over the last 15 months, up to the currently flying Group 3 prototype, while continuing to fine-tune the flight control laws. Currently, Albers Aerospace is commencing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) bench testing and applying digital engineering through their Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) team to the design.

Albers Aerospace is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and other engineering services, manned and unmanned aviation services, AS9100D manufacturing, aviation repair services, and an Innovation Incubator platform that delivers value by commercializing key technologies for the Warfighter.

Hop Flyt is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business whose mission is to bring fast, safe and quiet eVTOL aircraft to the civilian and military markets.

The Albers Group Changes Name to Albers Aerospace.

The McKinney, Texas-based aerospace and defense firm changes name to reflect expansion of service offerings.

McKinney, Texas, January 10, 2022 – The Albers Group, LLC a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and DoD protege partner of Vertex Aerospace, serving the aerospace and defense markets, is proud to announce that the company name is changed to Albers Aerospace effective January 1, 2022. Strong growth is driving an expansion of service offerings, which the corporate name now reflects.

Albers Aerospace retains its recently expanded headquarters in McKinney, Texas providing the team with a prime location within one of the fastest growing regions of the United States. The company is planning, in partnership with the City of McKinney, additional business expansion in 2022.

The company operates its three business units- Aerospace Manufacturing; Engineering, Aviation, & MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul); and Innovative Technologies, across 24 states and multiple OCONUS locations.

“As our capabilities have grown and our customer base expands, we are excited to enter into a new phase of our corporate growth strategy, focused on sustaining excellence in our core engineering, aviation maintenance and manufacturing businesses, while we set the conditions for continued investment and growth in the near term.” -Dave Thompson, EVP for Growth and Business Development.

2021 was a landmark year for the company, growing to $33M in revenue and 173 employees. Acquiring two companies, Unmanned Systems Inc. and Heritage Aviation Ltd., Albers Aerospace is poised to continue its growth as a cost-effective provider of aviation parts and maintenance, integration services, advanced Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance training and services, as well as world class systems engineering. Notably, the addition of an FAA Part 145 Repair Station provides the basis for a new wave of growth serving the commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets.

“Our growth is a powerful testament to our employees, who are committed to excellence and have served admirably throughout challenges the past 20 months. Adding ISR training and services as well as expanding our manufacturing capacity this year enables our company to provide a high-quality, comprehensive set of services to our customers at reasonable price points.” – John Albers, President and CEO.

The Albers Group Expands Aerospace Portfolio With Heritage Aviation Buy, CEO John Albers Quoted.

The Albers Group, a defense and aerospace support services company, has acquired aviation parts manufacturer and repair company, Heritage Aviation.

McKinney, Texas, December 28, 2021 – The McKinney, Texas-based veteran-owned small business said Tuesday the purchase of Heritage Aviation, which closed Nov. 25, 2021, is expected to augment The Albers Group’s existing core capabilities including systems engineering, manned and unmanned aviation services and aerospace manufacturing.

“Adding Heritage Aviation to our portfolio, when combined with our acquisition of Unmanned Systems, Inc, earlier this year supports the company’s overall strategy to deliver a comprehensive suite of capabilities to our partners and clients worldwide,” commented John Albers, CEO and president of The Albers Group.

Heritage Aviation, an FAA Part 145 certified avionics repair company, provides custom metal fabrication and wire assembly services for aviation, military, space and defense customers.

The Albers Group said the business combination will advance the company’s growth trajectory in the key areas of contract logistics support and aviation maintenance as it expands its position in the aerospace market.

As part of the acquisition, The Albers Group’s employee base will grow to 174 individuals and Heritage Aviation will continue operations from its location in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The deal comes one month after The Albers Group sold certain assets to Castellum in support of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps programs.

The Albers Group LLC announces acquisition of a majority interest in Unmanned Systems, Inc (USI).

Company is focused on global Predator and Reaper operations, training, and test & evaluation.

McKinney, Texas, August 9, 2021 – The Albers Group (TAG), a Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOSB) aerospace & defense company that provides aviation related engineering services, manned aircraft operations, and AS9100D manufacturing and an innovative technologies division focused on Warfighter outcomes, today announced that it has acquired a majority interest in Unmanned Systems, Inc (USI) – www.usi.aero – a leading aerospace services company focused on global Predator and Reaper operations, training, and test & evaluation. Combined in what will be called “Albers Aero”, the team now provides aerospace services through four business units focused on technical services, manufacturing/MRO/Completion, engineering & ISR, and innovative technologies bringing an even more capable and expansive services and product offering to their collective customer base.

USI is known for providing reliable and high-quality training, operations, and test & evaluation services to its many clients over its 18-year history. With an eye towards all things unmanned over the years, USI has created the base from which the combined companies can deliver value like never before. “Following the legacy of Don & Kathy Bintz at USI, is going to be tough as they were amazing owners but our goal as the new stewards of USI and TAG combined is to guide the enterprise to greater heights while valuing our internal teammates from TAG & USI for the incredible work they do delivering value to our customers every day.” said John Albers, Pres/CEO of TAG and now of the combined companies.

TAG, while only six (6) years old, has grown rapidly since its inception in 2015 delivering quality MBSE services, aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and artisan touch labor for customers like Northrop Grumman, GE Aviation, the US Navy, and others. Under the leadership of John Albers, Col, USMC (Ret), TAG has driven improvement in operational execution, business development processes, capability expansion, and most importantly systems and technology innovation. As a result of this recent activity, the company is now positioned to serve military and other government customers globally.

The definitive agreement will result in a full merger of the companies at years’ end.

“We are working to build the company we wanted to work with when we were the Customer,” according to John, “that is our focus daily and will remain so. Solving problems and bringing value while inspiring our customers and each other is our primary driver!”

The Albers Group LLC Awarded Mentor-Protégé Agreement With
Vertex Aerospace.

Program to assist The Albers Group in expanding key support for DoD organizations.

McKinney, TX, February 22, 2021 – The Albers Group, a rapidly growing certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), has been awarded a Mentor-Protégé Agreement with Vertex Aerospace LLC through the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). Under this agreement, Vertex will provide key aerospace maintenance and modification capability expansion assistance to Albers Group to strengthen their customer offerings to key Tier 1 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and DoD customers. Vertex will also provide guidance and counsel regarding building a scalable corporate infrastructure and support Albers Group in new business pursuits.

“The Albers Group is focused on ‘Inspiring Others and Delivering Value’ across their capability set with a culture focused on decentralized operations, initiative, and empowerment,” commented Richard “Vinny” Caputo, senior vice president of Vertex’s Aerospace Defense Services division. “They have been a key supplier for Vertex since 2018, always delivering on whatever we ask of them. We’re honored to be part of their growth and maturity into an even more capable company.“

The Albers Group is an aerospace and defense company focused primarily on the federal government. The company’s organic growth strategy is to take on meaningful and challenging projects that make their people feel engaged in their work and customer mission. The company aims daily to make an impact for the Warfighter through their ability to maneuver quickly, bring new technologies to bear, and deliver needed services & products at value pricing.

“We are thrilled to have this relationship and reach with the experience of the Vertex team as we carry out our growth strategy and support larger and more complex programs at the DoD,” said John Albers, the founder and current Pres/CEO. “The expanse of Vertex’s expertise and the depth of their DoD experience will provide a great sounding board for us to grow and hone our offerings to the defense market and beyond. We have big plans to make a difference for our customers, our community, and
our team.”

About The Albers Group
Headquartered in McKinney, Texas, Albers Group is a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), providing contractor logistics support, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), lean implementation, aerospace services to include flight operations through their subsidiary, Liberty Air, an FAA approved on demand charter operator, AS9100D manufacturing, and innovative technologies where they focus on deploying key technologies for DoD customers.

About Vertex Aerospace
Vertex Aerospace offers a global capability and complete solution for government and commercial customers. The mid-level aerospace Company operates in over 100 locations worldwide providing aftermarket aerospace services for more than 2,400 fixed and rotary wing airframes. Vertex’s agility, rapid deployment capability, and customer optimization have distinguished it from competitors for over half a century. With a 50 percent veteran workforce, the Mississippi-based company understands the challenges faced by the defense sector. More information can be found at vtxaero.com.

The Albers Group Contact:
John Albers
jalbers@thealbersgroup.com
(240) 545-8017

Vertex Aerospace Contact:
Rachel C. Henson
rachel.c.henson@vtxaero.com
(601) 607-6552

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