What MarathonNorco Aerospace does

MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc. is a privately-held, vertically integrated specialty aerospace components manufacturer headquartered in Waco, Texas, and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransDigm Group. Founded in 1923 as Marathon Battery Company, the firm designs, engineers, and manufactures advanced nickel-cadmium aircraft batteries (under the Marathon Batteries brand, including the MicroMaintenance M3 and SuperPower product lines), battery chargers and analyzers (under the Christie brand, including the CASP and RF80 series), and custom aerospace mechanical devices (under the Norco Mechanical brand, including patented hold open rods, ball reversers, receivers and interlocks, tensol locks, and remote release handle systems). Core underlying technologies include proprietary Polymer Bonded Electrode (PBE) chemistry for reduced-maintenance batteries, sintered-plate construction for engine-starting power, patented Couplex lock mechanisms for mechanical hold open rods, and ReFLEX fast-charging firmware for the RF80 series. The company operates a 215,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Waco and is supported by acquired product lines (Flite-Tronics 1981, Christie Electric 2000, Norco Inc. 2003, Avionic Instruments 2006).

The company monetizes primarily through direct B2B hardware sales to commercial and military aerospace OEMs (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Bell, Textron, Gulfstream, Embraer, Bombardier, Sikorsky, Leonardo, Pilatus, Spirit AeroSystems, Safran, GKN) and aftermarket distribution through a global authorized distributor network (Boeing Distribution Services, Satair, STS Component Solutions, Topcast, Marvel-Aero, GELBYSON). A secondary revenue stream is generated through FAA Part 145 and EASA certified repair station services for battery maintenance, repair, and overhaul, using genuine OEM parts and factory-trained technicians, supplemented by OEM-certified battery training courses. Pricing is quote-based with multi-year contract structures typical of aerospace OEM relationships.

MarathonNorco's product portfolio is differentiated by AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality certifications, FAA Part 145/EASA/CAA repair station approvals, and over a century of brand heritage recognized through historical Army and Navy 'E' awards. Vertically integrated manufacturing from raw materials to finished products, combined with patented proprietary technologies and qualification on nearly every major commercial and military airframe, creates a defensible niche position within TransDigm Group's broader aerospace components platform.

Name

MarathonNorco Aerospace

Legal name

MarathonNorco Aerospace, Inc.

Website

https://marathonnorco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

MarathonNorco Aerospace is a TransDigm-owned, Waco-based manufacturer of nickel-cadmium aircraft batteries (Marathon), battery chargers and analyzers (Christie), and aerospace mechanical devices (Norco) serving commercial and military OEMs, MROs, and airlines worldwide from FAA Part 145/EASA certified operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Components

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Motors & Generators (3621)

akta.pro primary industry

Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly) (IMAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Battery Management Systems (BMS) & Pack Electronics Manufacturing (EUAFABAJ), Aftermarket Battery, Charging & Power Accessories Manufacturing (12V Batteries/Jump Starters/Chargers/Inverters) (IMACANAL)

Keywords

• Aircraft batteries
• Aerospace components
• Battery chargers
• Avionics power systems
• Mechanical hold open rods

Headquarters

HQ city

Waco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Batteries: Sale of advanced nickel-cadmium aircraft batteries including Micro Maintenance (M3) and SuperPower product lines. Batteries range from 17Ah to 75Ah for commercial, military, and corporate aircraft applications. Revenue generated from OEM contracts and aftermarket sales through distributors.
2. Battery Chargers and Analyzers: Christie-branded battery charger/analyzer products including CASP series, RF80 series, trickle chargers, and aircraft ground power units. Sold to military, aviation, medical, industrial, and OEM customers.
3. Mechanical Products: Norco mechanical apparatus products including hold open rods, ball reversers, receivers and interlocks, tensol locks, and remote release handle systems for aerospace applications.
4. FAA Repair Station Services: FAA Part 145/EASA certified repair station providing battery maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Factory-trained technicians service components using genuine OEM parts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

MarathonNorco Aerospace designs, manufactures, and markets advanced nickel-cadmium aircraft batteries, battery chargers and analyzers, and mechanical aerospace devices. The company serves as a total solutions provider for engine starting, APU starting, emergency power, and ground support applications across commercial, military, and corporate aviation markets. Its product portfolio spans the Marathon Batteries line (M3 MicroMaintenance and SuperPower technologies), the Christie battery charger line, and the Norco Mechanical Products line of hold open rods and locking devices.

Product overview

MarathonNorco Aerospace offers a comprehensive portfolio of three integrated product lines serving the aerospace and defense industry. The Marathon Aircraft Batteries line includes MicroMaintenance (M3) nickel-cadmium batteries with Polymer Bonded Electrode technology for reduced maintenance intervals, and SuperPower vented nickel-cadmium batteries engineered for maximum engine starting power. The Christie Aircraft Battery Chargers product line (acquired in 2000) encompasses CASP series microprocessor-controlled charger/analyzers, RF80 series industry-standard charger/analyzers, R-400 aircraft ground power units, K Series MagAmp power supplies, and trickle chargers for battery maintenance and storage. The Norco Mechanical Products line (acquired in 2003) provides custom aerospace mechanical devices including hold open rods with patented locking mechanisms, ball reversers, receivers and interlocks, tensol locks, and remote release handle systems. The company also operates an FAA Part 145/EASA certified repair station providing comprehensive battery and component maintenance services, and offers OEM-certified battery training courses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Marathon Batteries: Advanced aircraft batteries including Micro Maintenance (M3) and SuperPower Nickel-Cadmium batteries for commercial and military aircraft.
• Christie
• Norco Mechanical

Products and services

• MicroMaintenance (M3) Aircraft Batteries Improved low-maintenance nickel-cadmium batteries using Polymer Bonded Electrode (PBE) technology, offering reduced water consumption, faster recharge, greater energy density, and longer flight hours between servicing. Available in 17Ah to 75Ah sizes for large commercial, regional, military, corporate aircraft and helicopters.
• SuperPower Aircraft Batteries Rechargeable vented nickel-cadmium batteries engineered for maximum power in engine and APU starting applications. Features sintered plates with improved woven-wire substrates and high heat-resistant polypropylene separators for reliable performance in demanding environments.
• Christie CASP Series Chargers/Analyzers Sophisticated microprocessor-based battery support instruments for reconditioning, analyzing, charging and maintaining rechargeable batteries. Includes CASP 1200H, CASP 2000, and CASP 2500H models with RS-232 output for battery servicing reports.
• Christie RF80 Series Chargers/Analyzers Industry-standard aircraft battery charger/analyzers supporting vented nickel-cadmium and sealed or vented lead-acid batteries. The RF80-K is used by US Air Force and major airlines worldwide. RF80-M features touch-screen display with optional ABMS-10X PC Interface.
• Christie R-400 Aircraft Ground Power Unit Static 28 Volt DC aircraft ground power unit designed for electrical and mechanical simplicity, physical ruggedness and component accessibility. Provides 400 Amps continuous and 2,000 Amps peak output for turbine spooling with worldwide 3-phase 50/60Hz AC input compatibility.
• Christie Trickle Chargers Battery trickle chargers including CTC-500 and Mini Trickle Charger models designed to extend active storage life of Nickel Cadmium batteries from 90 days to one year by providing low precise constant current charge that overcomes natural self-discharge.
• K Series MagAmp Power Supplies High-current DC power supplies with output current ranges from 100 to 1,200 Amps, designed for long-life and extreme reliability with robust circuitry that handles intermittent overload conditions up to 500% of continuous current rating.
• Aircraft Hold Open Rods Nacelle hold open rods featuring patented Couplex locking mechanism. Available in telescoping, fixed-length, and aircraft folding configurations. Products support proof loads up to 11,000 pounds and temperatures approaching 1,000 degrees F with multiple end-fitting compatibility.
• Ball Reversers Unique affordable linear actuators providing automatic reciprocating action with five standard sizes and two screw materials (alloy steel and stainless steel). Designed for high load capacity requirements with standard strokes ranging from 0.44 to 148.0 inches.
• Receivers & Interlocks Mechanical devices featuring automatic lock-up, imperviousness to vibration, and ability to withstand high shear and tension loads. Currently capable of withstanding 5,000 lb ultimate tension load. Used by ground support personnel for fall arrest, tie-down, and anchorage systems.
• Tensol Locks Aerospace ball lock quick release pins designed for shear and tension applications, providing shear strength equal to military specification ball type quick release pins (MS17984 and NAS1332). Available in four stock handle styles and 10 diameters from 1/4 to 1 inch.
• Remote Release Handle Systems Remote actuation systems for hold open rods designed to actuate components requiring remote lock/unlock for safety reasons or to limit personnel required for aircraft maintenance.
• FAA Repair Station Services Fully integrated FAA repair station operating in strict compliance with FAR 145 and EASA regulations. Provides repair and maintenance services using genuine OEM parts with factory-trained technicians.

Quantifiable outcome

• Maintenance interval increased 2-6 times with M3 MicroMaintenance batteries compared to standard nickel-cadmium batteries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered acquisition, major and core.

• Norco, Inc.acquisitionStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Norco, Inc. acquired in 2003. Manufacturer of mechanical apparatus products including custom engineered hold open rods and specialty mechanical devices. Consolidation brought company together in Waco, TX under MarathonNorco Aerospace name.
• Christie Electric CorpacquisitionStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Christie Electric Corp acquired in 2000. Christie designs and manufactures DC power market equipment including battery chargers/analyzers and industrial AC to DC power supplies. Product lines include CASP and RF80 designs. RF80-K is the industry standard used by US Air Force and major airlines worldwide.
• Boeing Distribution ServicesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor serving OEMs, MROs and airlines offering end-to-end services that reduce cost, risk and complexity for Marathon Batteries.
• SatairmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of the global leading providers of innovative aftermarket services and solutions for the civil aerospace industry. Authorized distributor for Marathon Batteries.
• STS Component SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStocking distributor and in-house MRO service provider for aftermarket. Offers battery maintenance training provider for Marathon Batteries.
• Marvel-AeromajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal authorized distributor of Christie products. Supplies customers with state-of-the-art aircraft battery maintenance products and provides complete support after purchase.
• GELBYSONcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvanced aerospace products for OEM industry. Stocking distributor, in-house MRO service provider for aftermarket. Stocking distributor and battery maintenance training provider for Marathon Batteries.
• TopcastmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of the world-leading industry players in aerospace distribution. Authorized distributor for Marathon Batteries.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Saft Aviation (TotalEnergies): Saft is a leading global manufacturer of advanced nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion aircraft batteries for commercial, military, and business aviation. Direct competitor to MarathonNorco's NiCad battery business with comparable OEM qualifications and FAA/EASA approvals.
• Concorde Battery Corporation: Concorde manufactures valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) aircraft batteries for commercial, military, and general aviation. Competes directly with MarathonNorco in the aerospace battery category with overlapping OEM and MRO customers.
• EaglePicher Technologies: EaglePicher designs and manufactures specialty batteries (NiCad, Li-ion, thermal) for aerospace, defense, and aviation. Direct peer in the aircraft and defense battery category, with similar proprietary chemistries and OEM relationships.
• GS Yuasa Aerospace: GS Yuasa supplies nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion aircraft batteries to major airframe OEMs globally, including Airbus and Boeing platforms. Direct competitor with comparable product line in aviation starting batteries.
• Astronics Corporation: Astronics provides advanced electrical power, lighting, and avionics systems for aerospace and defense, including aircraft battery systems and ground power. Direct overlap with MarathonNorco's Christie chargers and power systems business.

Broad incumbents

• EnerSys: EnerSys is a large global industrial battery manufacturer with an aerospace and defense product line. Broader portfolio across motive power, reserve power, and aerospace; competes with MarathonNorco in aviation batteries and chargers.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell is a major Tier-1 aerospace supplier with a broad portfolio of avionics, power systems, and components. While not a pure-play battery competitor, it overlaps in aircraft power and electrical systems for the same OEM customer base.
• TransDigm Group (sister subsidiaries): TransDigm operates ~50 aerospace component subsidiaries (e.g., HEICO-adjacent, Ametek-style parts makers). MarathonNorco shares parent capital, cross-sell, and procurement leverage with sister companies serving the same airframes.
• Ametek Aerospace & Defense: Ametek manufactures engineered electronic components, sensors, and power systems for aerospace and defense. Comparable business model of sole-source proprietary parts sold to commercial and military aerospace OEMs.
• HEICO Corporation: HEICO is a major aerospace aftermarket and components supplier (PMA and parts distribution). Comparable model of proprietary, certified aerospace parts serving airlines, MROs, and OEMs with strong pricing power.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marathonnorco-aerospace-inc.
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MarathonNorco Aerospace