FDH Aero
FDH Aero is a global aerospace and defense distributor of C-class hardware, electronic components, and consumables, serving commercial and defense OEMs, airlines, and MRO operators across 15 countries via FDH Hardware, FDH Electronics, and FDH Defense Aftermarket divisions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersCommerce, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What FDH Aero does
FDH Aero is a global aerospace and defense supply chain solutions provider headquartered in Commerce, California, distributing C-class hardware, electronic components, and consumables to commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and MRO operators. Operating since 1964 and employing 1,500+ people across 15 countries with over 650,000 square feet of inventory space, the company runs three core divisions — FDH Hardware (fasteners and hardware), FDH Electronics (interconnect, wire and cable, electromechanical components), and FDH Defense Aftermarket (military product solutions) — complemented by value-added services including Vendor Managed Inventory (98% fulfillment), just-in-time/direct line feed, kitting, and custom connector configuration.
The business generates revenue primarily through B2B hardware and electronics sales under quote-based, multi-year contracts with enterprise OEMs and aftermarket customers, supplemented by proprietary manufacturing (Whitmor/Wirenetics mil-spec wire including SPACE WIRE®). Distribution is executed through direct enterprise field sales organized by division and region (Americas, EMEA, APAC), with a new eCommerce channel at FDHElectronics.com launched March 2026. The company holds AS9100D, AS9120B, ASA-100/FAA AC 00-56B, and Nadcap certifications across multiple global facilities and serves marquee customers including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Southwest, Lufthansa, FedEx, Gulfstream, and Bombardier.
FDH Aero is privately held, with Audax Private Equity as majority shareholder since 2017, a minority recapitalization by Neuberger Berman in May 2024, and a definitive agreement for Bain Capital Private Equity to make a majority investment announced June 2026 (Audax to remain a significant investor). The company has completed 14 acquisitions since 2007, building a full-line aerospace and defense distribution platform that combines fragmented specialist distributors into a single-source supplier for OEM production and aftermarket sustainment globally.
FDH Aero firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FDH Aero
- Legal name
- Fastener Distribution Holdings
- Website
- https://fdhaero.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- FDH Aero is a global aerospace and defense distributor of C-class hardware, electronic components, and consumables, serving commercial and defense OEMs, airlines, and MRO operators across 15 countries via FDH Hardware, FDH Electronics, and FDH Defense Aftermarket divisions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FDH Aero industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerospace Parts Distribution
- NAICS
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (3364), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)
- SIC
- Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aerospace Fasteners & Hardware (IMABANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket) (IMABALAK), Engine Control, Fuel & Ignition Systems (FADEC/Accessories) (IMABADAK), Interior Structural Components (Floor Beams, Seat Tracks, Frames) (IMABAEAJ), Aerospace Interior Materials & Components (Cabin) (IMABANAI)
Keywords
Where FDH Aero is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Commerce
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices13 records
Markets served
FDH Aero business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Aerospace Component Distribution: Sale of hardware, electrical, electro-mechanical components, consumables and expendables to aerospace and defense OEM and aftermarket customers. Revenue is generated through product sales with pricing based on quote requests and long-term supply agreements.
- Value-Added Services: Services including vendor managed inventory, just-in-time/direct line feed, kitting, and custom connector configurations, marking, and packaging. These services generate additional revenue streams alongside product sales and create customer stickiness.
- Kitting Solutions: Pre-packaged and pre-labeled kits containing individual parts that are always used together, sold as part of supply chain simplification services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise OEM and Aftermarket - Quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
FDH Aero product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FDH Aero is a global distributor of c-class aerospace hardware, electrical components, and consumables to commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers and aftermarket customers. The company supplies fasteners, bearings, rivets, brackets, interconnect products, wire and cable, electromechanical components, and engine parts through its FDH Hardware, FDH Electronics, and FDH Defense Aftermarket divisions, complemented by inventory and supply chain services such as Vendor Managed Inventory, Just-in-Time/Direct Line Feed, Kitting, and Value-Added Services.
Product overview
FDH Aero is a global aerospace and defense supply chain solutions provider operating through three core divisions: FDH Hardware, FDH Electronics, and FDH Defense Aftermarket. FDH Hardware (including sub-brands AFI, AIAP, PDQ Airspares) supplies aerospace fasteners, C-class components, and consumables & expendables. FDH Electronics (including Stealth Aerospace and Whitmor/Wirenetics) provides electronic interconnect products, wire & cable, and electromechanical components. FDH Defense Aftermarket supports military product solutions. The company also offers inventory management services including Vendor Managed Inventory, Just in Time/Direct Line Feed, Kitting, and Value Added Services. With over 60 years of experience, FDH serves OEM and aftermarket customers across commercial, defense, space, and business aviation markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Aerospace Hardware Distribution of aerospace c-class hardware including barrel nuts, bearings, blind bolts, rivets, bolts, bushings, clamps, fittings, hinges, nut plates, O-rings, screws, seals, studs, washers, and specialized hardware for OEM manufacturers and aftermarket customers in commercial, defense, and business aviation.
- Aerospace Electrical Components Distribution of interconnect products (connectors and accessories), wire and cable, harness management products, and electromechanical components for commercial, defense, and space markets via the FDH Electronics division.
- Aerospace Consumables & Expendables Leading provider of aerospace consumables and expendables including engine parts, fans, filter kits, filters, ignitors, lamps, and safety equipment for MRO and airline customers, with PDQ Airspares as the primary brand and Aerospheres contributing aftermarket chemicals and composites.
- Whitmor/Wirenetics Mil-Spec Wire & Cable Custom wire and cable manufacturing since 1959 (acquired by FDH Aero in 2019), offering mil-spec wire, the proprietary SPACE WIRE® product line for space applications, coaxial, twinax, Ethernet, USB cables, and related value-added services for aerospace, defense, and space markets.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Inventory management service where FDH Aero invests alongside customers to stock large amounts of inventory and manages customer inventory on their behalf, achieving a 98% fulfilment rate, designed for OEM and aftermarket aerospace supply chain needs.
- Just-in-Time / Direct Line Feed Supply chain service maintaining minimal stock levels for key items and delivering replenishments the following day, designed to reduce freight costs and warehouse space requirements while ensuring uninterrupted production.
- Kitting Creation of pre-packaged and pre-labeled kits containing individual parts that are always used together, simplifying the supply chain and increasing assembly efficiency for aerospace OEM and aftermarket customers.
- Value-Added Services Custom connector configurations, marking services using state-of-the-art marking machines, and custom packaging, marking, and labeling to exact customer specifications, delivered alongside product distribution.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% fulfilment rate in Vendor Managed Inventory programs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use FDH Aero
Customer profileNamed customers27 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FDH Aero technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
FDH Aero partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered significant.
- Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre (HHACMC)significantFDH Aero signed a three-year agreement (with two-year optional extension) with HHACMC to supply high-performance fasteners for the Airbus A350 composite tail section. This marks FDH Aero APAC's first direct Airbus contract, expanding its role within Airbus's global supply chain network.
- Leach International CorporationsignificantStealth Aerospace (aftermarket division of FDH Electronics) was approved as an authorized distribution channel partner for Leach International, supporting commercial airline and MRO customers. Builds on long-standing relationship to deliver Leach's high-reliability products including relays, contactors, and power distribution components to the commercial aviation aftermarket.
- MS AerospacesignificantFDH Hardware brand AIAP signed a two-year supply agreement to be the primary supplier of MS Aerospace's high-strength, highly engineered fasteners for the Lockheed Martin F-35 program. Fasteners available at fixed prices to F-35 manufacturing partners.
- Cinch Connectivity SolutionssignificantExpanded product support distribution agreement establishing Stealth Aerospace as the primary aftermarket distributor for Cinch's range of high-reliability specialty connectors and assemblies including FQIS assemblies and BACC connectors for Boeing aircraft operators. Partnership dating back 10+ years.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
FDH Aero competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- HEICO: Public aerospace and electronics company providing FAA-approved replacement parts and aerospace technologies. Comparable as a higher-margin aerospace parts specialist; broader portfolio but shares FDH's defense and commercial aftermarket mix.
- TransDigm Group: Public producer and distributor of proprietary aerospace components with extensive OEM and aftermarket exposure. Larger and more vertically integrated than FDH, but competes for the same defense and commercial aerospace wallet share.
- Avnet: Global electronic components distributor with aerospace and defense vertical. Comparable to FDH Electronics on high-reliability connector and electromechanical distribution, though with a much broader industrial end-market mix.
- Arrow Electronics: Global electronic components distributor with significant aerospace and defense vertical. Overlaps with FDH Electronics (Stealth, Whitmor/Wirenetics, Electro Enterprises) on interconnect, electromechanical, and wire/cable lines.
Direct peers
- AAR Corp: US-listed aerospace aftermarket services and parts distribution company serving commercial airlines, defense, and OEMs. Most directly comparable public peer given its aviation parts distribution, MRO supply chain services, and defense logistics overlap with FDH's aftermarket business.
- Satair (Airbus subsidiary): Airbus-owned aerospace parts distribution and MRO materials business serving Airbus operators globally. Direct competitor to FDH Hardware for Airbus programs and aftermarket accounts, particularly relevant given FDH's recent A350 HHACMC fastener contract.
- Pattonair: Aerospace fastener and hardware distributor serving OEMs and aftermarket customers globally (now part of Satair). Closest historical peer to FDH Hardware in terms of product mix (fasteners, c-class hardware) and customer base.
- Aviall (a Boeing company): Boeing subsidiary distributing OEM and aftermarket parts to operators worldwide. Largest direct competitor in commercial aviation parts distribution and a structural threat to independent distributors like FDH due to parent OEM scale and inventory access.
Others
- WESCO International: Global distribution and supply chain solutions provider with industrial, utility, and aerospace and defense verticals. Adjacent comparator for FDH's value-added distribution, kitting, and VMI operating model rather than its aerospace specialization.
Regional players
- Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group: UK-headquartered aerospace and defense MRO and parts provider with EMEA-centric footprint. Comparable for FDH's European Center of Excellence in Bremen and PDQ Airspares consumables business serving airline and MRO customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
FDH Aero social profiles
Digital presenceFDH Aero compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
FDH Aero financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FDH Aero leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
FDH Aero subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries17 records
FDH Aero funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FDH Aero M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A11 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FDH Aero
What does FDH Aero do?
FDH Aero is a global distributor of c-class aerospace hardware, electrical components, and consumables to commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers and aftermarket customers. The company supplies fasteners, bearings, rivets, brackets, interconnect products, wire and cable, electromechanical components, and engine parts through its FDH Hardware, FDH Electronics, and FDH Defense Aftermarket divisions, complemented by inventory and supply chain services such as Vendor Managed Inventory, Just-in-Time/Direct Line Feed, Kitting, and Value-Added Services.
Is FDH Aero a public or private company?
FDH Aero is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was FDH Aero founded?
FDH Aero was founded in 1964. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is FDH Aero based?
FDH Aero is headquartered in Commerce, United States, in the North America region.
How does FDH Aero make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Aerospace Component Distribution is the primary driver. The others are value-Added Services and kitting Solutions.
Who are FDH Aero's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are HEICO, TransDigm Group, Avnet and Arrow Electronics. Direct peers are AAR Corp, Satair (Airbus subsidiary), Pattonair and Aviall (a Boeing company). WESCO International is listed as an others. Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is listed as a regional player.
Does FDH Aero have an API?
No public API is recorded for FDH Aero.
What industry is FDH Aero in?
FDH Aero's product category is Aerospace Parts Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABANAA, Aerospace Fasteners & Hardware, with a secondary code of IMABALAK, Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket). Its NAICS code is 3364 and its SIC code is 3720.