What Staco Systems does

Staco Systems is a privately held U.S. manufacturer of custom Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions for aerospace, defense, naval, ground vehicle, and industrial markets, founded in 1958 as Staco Switch and headquartered in Irvine, California. The company's core products are MIL-SPEC-qualified illuminated panels and bezels, a portfolio of lighted and unlighted pushbutton switch series (S30 through S300), rugged keyboards and keypads (M816, M817, M853, M877, M2 series), trackballs, USB power supplies, custom control panel assemblies/subsystems, and (as of 2022) custom power products such as inverters and frequency converters. Underlying technology centers on a patented lens technology delivering NVIS-compatible, sunlight-readable LED illumination, supported by in-house AS9100/ISO 9001 manufacturing capabilities including laser cutting, 5-axis machining, injection molding, and PCBA assembly, with QPL certifications held since 1987 and ITAR registration (#M28108).

Staco's business model is hardware sales of custom and build-to-print HMI solutions, priced via formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) with no public list pricing; standard quotes are returned within 24 hours and custom solutions within roughly one week. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales supported by a global network of sales representatives in more than 35 countries, regional channel partners (e.g., Milexia in France, Spain and Italy; Connector & Wire Services in South Africa; Swiftrade in Switzerland), a dedicated Sales Portal for reps and resellers, and participation in defense industry trade shows. Customers are concentrated among Tier-1 aerospace and defense primes - including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, L3Harris, General Dynamics, Airbus, Thales, Kongsberg, Rockwell Collins/Collins Aerospace, and DRS Technologies - with additional exposure to flight simulation (CAE), industrial, and selected commercial accounts such as Samsung.

Name

Staco Systems

Legal name

Staco Systems

Website

https://stacosystems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Staco Systems is a privately held U.S. manufacturer of custom MIL-SPEC Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions - illuminated panels, pushbutton switches, rugged keyboards, control panel assemblies, and power products - serving aerospace, defense, naval, ground vehicle, and industrial customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace & Defense HMI Components

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Displays & Human-Machine Interface (EFIS/HUD/HMD) (IMABAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD), Industrial Panel PCs & HMI Terminals (HDACALAE), SCADA/HMI Platforms (IMAGABAB), Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF)

Keywords

• Aerospace HMI solutions
• Military pushbutton switches
• Illuminated cockpit panels
• Rugged data entry systems
• MIL-SPEC control assemblies

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom HMI Products and Solutions: Staco Systems generates revenue through the sale of custom human-machine interface products including illuminated panels, pushbutton switches, control panel assemblies, data entry systems (keyboards/keypads), USB charging solutions, and power products. The company offers both standard product lines and custom build-to-print designs. Products serve aerospace, defense, naval, ground vehicle, and industrial applications with long product lifecycles typical of defense/aerospace industry.
2. Custom Subsystem Integration: Value-added control panel assemblies integrating multiple components (illuminated switches, light plates, rugged keyboards) into complete cockpit, flight deck, and shipboard control systems. Offers prototype, production, and no minimum order requirements.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Staco Systems designs and manufactures custom Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions for aerospace, defense, and mission-critical applications. Its product portfolio includes illuminated panels and bezels, a full family of lighted and unlighted pushbutton switches (Series 30 through Series 300), custom control panel assemblies and subsystems, rugged keyboards, keypads, trackballs, USB charging products, and custom power products (supplies, inverters, frequency converters, PDUs). Products are engineered to MIL-SPEC and NVIS requirements for cockpit, flight deck, shipboard, and ground vehicle platforms.

Product overview

Staco Systems provides custom Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. The product portfolio includes multiple switch series (S250, S300, S200, S100, S90, S80, S50, S40, S60, S30) ranging from ultra-compact to standard-sized lighted and unlighted pushbutton switches. The company also offers illuminated panels and bezels with LED, electroluminescent, or incandescent backlighting, control panel assemblies integrating multiple components, USB power supplies, custom keyboards (M816, M817, M853, M877), M2 Series keypads, M725 trackballs, and custom power products. These products work together as complete cockpit control and data entry solutions with NVIS compatibility, MIL-SPEC compliance, and customization options for military, aerospace, naval, and industrial markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Series 250 (S250) Pushbutton Switch Ultra-compact 4-pole lighted pushbutton switch with LED lighting, NVIS compatibility, sunlight readability, and military-grade reliability. Features approximately 1.06 inch mounting depth and is targeted at aerospace and defense applications where space and weight are constrained.
• Series 300 (S300) Pushbutton Switch Smallest 2-pole illuminated switch in the Staco portfolio, incorporating patented lens technology that delivers superior LED lighting performance, NVIS compatibility, and sunlight readability for aerospace and defense applications.
• Series 100 (S100) Pushbutton Switch 4-pole lighted pushbutton switch for aerospace, commercial avionics, military, and maritime applications, offering NVIS compatibility, sunlight readability, and LED or incandescent illumination per MIL-SPEC.
• Series 90 (S90) Pushbutton Switch Broad product line of lighted pushbutton switches and indicators built to U.S. Military specifications, sunlight-readable and night vision goggle compatible.
• Series 80 (S80) Pushbutton Switch Individually mounted and multi-station matrix-mounted sunlight-readable display pushbutton switches and indicators available in 2PDT or 4PDT circuitry.
• Series 50 (S50) Pushbutton Switch Drip-proof sealed lighted display pushbutton switches and indicators designed for installations exposed to rain, open deck spray, or moisture.
• Series 40 (S40) Pushbutton Switch Lighted pushbutton switches and indicators available in individual or matrix mount, 2PDT or 4PDT configurations, and square or rectangular pushbuttons.
• Series 60 (S60) Single Lamp Switch Full line of lighted pushbutton switches and indicators providing wide selection of circuitry control capabilities and display screen combinations at low lifecycle cost.
• Series 30 (S30) Unlighted Switch Broad range of unlighted pushbutton switches with solder or PCB termination, providing circuit control flexibility with 2PDT or 2-circuit double-break configurations.
• Illuminated Panels and Bezels Comprehensive range of illuminated panels, bezels, and displays designed and manufactured in accordance with military standards (MIL-DTL-7788, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810), featuring LED, electroluminescent, or incandescent backlighting and NVIS compliance per MIL-L-85762A.
• Control Panel Assemblies (Subsystems) Custom control panel assemblies integrating illuminated pushbutton switches, light plates, rugged data entry solutions, and electronic controllers into complete cockpit, flight deck, and shipboard control systems, with prototype, production, and no minimum order requirements.
• USB Power Supply / USB Charger Compact USB power supply and charging solution qualified to MIL-STD-704, MIL-DTL-7788, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461, available in lighted or unlighted configurations, for in-cockpit and crew power applications.
• M816 Keyboard 104-key panel-mount illuminated keyboard for rugged computer applications with watertight sealing, dust-proof design, NEMA 4 water resistance, and built-in mouse pointer.
• M817 Keyboard 88-key ultra-slim panel-mount keyboard based on Molded Elastomer Technology with green LED backlight illumination, 5-level dimming, IP65 waterproof rating, and MIL-810/MIL-461 specifications.
• M853 Keyboard Molded elastomer keyboard with wipeable surface for rugged applications, featuring 64 keys, USB interface, white LED backlighting, and NEMA 4/IP66 water resistance.
• M877 Keyboard Enclosed 88-key illuminated keyboard with 5-level dimming green LED backlighting, NVIS Green A/B option, built-in cursor control, pressure relief feature, and emergency function key.
• M2 Series Custom Keypads Sealed rugged-duty keypads manufactured for severe conditions with watertight sealing, dust-proof design, and NEMA 4 water resistance rating, available in 1x4, 4x4, and custom configurations.
• M725/0002 Trackball PC-compatible rugged trackball with waterproof USB-compatible design, metal enclosure, EMI/RFI and HAEMP protection, optical tracking technology, and 3-button keypad.
• Accessories (USB Cables, Adapters, Pointers) USB cables, adapters, and rugged pointers designed for use with Staco Systems keyboards and data entry products.
• Custom Power Products Custom power products including power supplies, inverters, frequency converters, and power distribution units designed for aerospace and defense applications and qualified to MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-810.
• 3D Light Plates Capability to manufacture illuminated panels without legend or lighting distortion over curved surfaces, enabling highly customizable illuminated panel solutions for any aerospace, defense, or industrial design.

Quantifiable outcome

• Complete set of 30 unique cockpit control panels delivered from design to supply in only 16 weeks
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• CEA Design GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2022Partnership for P01 trainer aircraft cockpit control panels. CEA Design selected Staco Systems among several international suppliers based on development time, experience and quality of their illuminated NVIS control panels. CEA Design has more than 20 engineers specialized in aviation design, prototype production and flight certification.
• Swiftrade GmbHregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 May 2022Swiss partner assisting with P01 trainer aircraft project. Swiftrade has been a Staco Systems partner for several years specialized in the supply of components and subsystems to the military, aerospace and defence markets.
• Connector & Wire Services (Pty) LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 January 2022Partnership agreement for South Africa. With more than 25 years of experience in the high technology/military interconnect field as well as custom design and production capabilities, C&W Services complements Staco Systems' range of Human-To-Machine Interface (HMI) products to address the South African military, defense, and civil markets.
• Milexia France SASregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 November 2020Partnership for support of supply of HMI solutions to the French military and commercial industries. Founded in 1971, Milexia has a team of 120 skilled professionals with extensive knowledge in providing customized solutions including HMI, power management and RF to military and civilian industries.
• Milexia Iberica SAU (Spain)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 November 2020Sister company partnership for Spain, following similar agreement structure as France and Italy partnerships for European HMI solution distribution.
• Milexia Italia SpA (Italy)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 November 2020Sister company partnership for Italy, following similar agreement structure as France and Spain partnerships for European HMI solution distribution.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Korry Electronics (a TransDigm company): Korry Electronics is one of the closest direct competitors to Staco Systems, specializing in illuminated pushbutton switches, cockpit control panels and displays for military and commercial aircraft. Both companies compete head-to-head on NVIS-compatible cockpit HMI for defense primes.
• Grayhill: Grayhill manufactures ruggedized switches, keypads, displays and human-machine interface products for aerospace, defense and industrial applications. It competes directly with Staco on rugged keyboards, panel switches and custom HMI subsystems.
• Mason Electric (a TransDigm company): Mason Electric is a niche supplier of high-reliability illuminated pushbutton switches and indicators for military and aerospace applications. It directly competes with Staco on MIL-SPEC switches for cockpit and shipboard control panels.
• Schurter: Schurter manufactures input systems, switches, HMI components and rugged keyboards for industrial, medical and aerospace applications. It overlaps with Staco on rugged keyboards and custom HMI assemblies for defense and industrial customers.
• EAO Switch Corporation: EAO designs and manufactures rugged, HMI components, switches and control panels for transportation, industrial and aerospace/defense markets. It is comparable to Staco on custom illuminated pushbutton switches and panel assemblies for harsh-environment applications.

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell Aerospace offers a broad portfolio of avionics, cockpit displays and human-machine interface solutions as part of a much larger aerospace systems franchise. It is a broad incumbent competing with Staco on larger cockpit HMI contracts and serves the same blue-chip primes.
• Collins Aerospace (RTX): Collins Aerospace is a tier-1 cockpit and avionics incumbent offering integrated flight deck HMI, displays and controls. It is a major Staco customer via control panel integration and competes for adjacent cockpit content on commercial and military platforms.
• TE Connectivity: TE Connectivity's Aerospace, Defense and Marine division supplies rugged switches, relays, connectors and HMI components for military and commercial aviation platforms. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping product categories and similar prime-customer base.

Regional players

• Crouzet (a TE Connectivity company): Crouzet supplies aerospace and defense switches, control panels and HMI solutions with a particularly strong footprint in European defense and rail markets. It competes with Staco on European defense panel and switch programs through comparable MIL-SPEC product lines.

Emerging players

• IDEC Corporation: IDEC is a Japanese industrial control and HMI manufacturer offering switches, pushbuttons and control panel components, including ruggedized variants targeting factory automation and select aerospace applications. It is an emerging player with overlapping product categories to Staco's industrial HMI business.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stacosystems

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 Staco Systems