PWI

What PWI does

PWI (formerly Precision Winding, Inc.) is a privately held, family-owned aerospace and electronics manufacturer founded in 1963 and headquartered at 109 S Knight St, Wichita, Kansas. The company designs and manufactures FAA-certified LED aviation cabin and exterior lighting systems for business jets and turboprops (King Air, Citation, Learjet, Falcon, Beechjet, Hawker 400XP, Pilatus PC-12), legacy cold cathode fluorescent aircraft lighting it pioneered in 1972, precision fluxgate magnetometers, tape-wound bobbin cores, and custom wound magnetics (transformers, inductors, chokes, solenoids). Its LED drop-in kits deliver 33,000–100,000 hours of service life versus ~200 hours for incandescent bulbs and are approved in more than 100 aircraft models via FAA PMA #PQ4159CE and STCs SA01634WI and SA01748WI with reciprocal EASA, ANAC, and AFAC approvals.

The technology base centers on in-house manufacturing of LED kits, custom fluorescent lamps, precision fluxgate magnetometers using specialized tape-wound bobbins, and contract magnetics/PCB assembly. The company operates under AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, FAA Repair Station (PJ2R085L), EASA Part 145, UK CAA Part 145, ITAR, and CMMC Level 1 certifications, enabling global sales into aviation and defense channels. R&D is conducted in-house with custom engineering from concept through prototyping.

Revenue is generated through four streams: (1) hardware sales of LED upgrade kits and overhauled fluorescent power supplies under unit pricing with 30-day quote validity; (2) project-based contract engineering billed under Statements of Work; (3) contract manufacturing of custom magnetics and PCB assemblies across aviation, agriculture, automotive, medical, military, and motorcycle markets; and (4) international distribution. Sales run through direct channels plus a network of 30+ authorized dealers and installation centers and international distributors (EDMO Distributors, Oshino Lamps, CJ Aerospace, AirParts Company, Kadex Aero Supply), supported by aviation trade show presence at NBAA BACE, MRO Americas, and King Air Gathering. Customer segments include business jet and turboprop owners/operators, MROs, and industrial/defense buyers of wound magnetics and magnetometers.

Name

PWI

Legal name

PWI, Inc.

Website

https://pwi-e.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PWI is a family-owned Wichita-based aerospace manufacturer producing FAA-certified LED and fluorescent cabin lighting for business jets and turboprops, plus precision fluxgate magnetometers, wound magnetics, and contract electronics manufacturing for aviation and defense customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Lighting and Precision Magnetics

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Electric Lamp Bulb and Other Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (335139), Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (333613)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Electronic Coils, Transformers & Other Inductors (3677)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Lighting Systems & Components Manufacturing (LED/Headlamps/Signal/Interior) (IMACAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

LED Drivers, Ballasts & Power Modules for Lighting (Constant-current/voltage drivers, ballasts, control gear) (IMAGAIAJ), Specialty & Task/Workstation Lighting (Inspection/task lights, cleanroom/food-grade, portable work lights) (IMAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Aviation LED lighting
• Aircraft cabin lighting
• Fluxgate magnetometers
• Precision coil winding
• Contract electronics manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Lighting Products: Sale of LED upgrade kits, fluorescent lighting, and related accessories for business jets and turboprop aircraft. Products include cabin overhead systems, reading lights, ice lights, wingtips, logo lights, step lights, and seat belt signs. Revenue is one-time per product with repeat opportunities tied to fleet maintenance cycles.
2. Contract Engineering Services: Comprehensive electronic engineering services including concept design, prototyping, in-house testing, and custom product development. Typically billed via Statement of Work with time-based estimates.
3. Contract Manufacturing: Production of custom wound magnetics, transformers, inductors, chokes, solenoids, and PCB assemblies for customers across aviation and non-aviation industries.
4. Overhauled Fluorescent Power Supplies: Factory-overhauled PWI fluorescent light power supplies sold with one-year warranty. Includes optional $200 refund for returning non-functioning units.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PWI designs and manufactures FAA PMA-approved LED cabin lighting upgrade kits, cold cathode fluorescent lighting systems, and overhauled power supplies for business jets and King Air turboprops, alongside precision fluxgate magnetometers, tape-wound bobbin cores, and custom coil-wound magnetics. The company also provides contract electronic engineering and contract manufacturing services spanning concept design, prototyping, in-house testing, and turn-key PCB assembly for aviation, defense, agricultural, automotive, medical, and industrial customers.

Product overview

PWI (Precision Winding Inc.) offers a diversified portfolio of aviation lighting products and precision manufacturing services. The core products include LED cabin lighting upgrade systems for business aircraft (King Air, Citation, Learjet, Falcon, Beechjet, Pilatus PC-12) and legacy fluorescent lighting, along with industrial magnetometers, tape-wound bobbin cores, and coil windings/transformers. Services include contract engineering (from concept to production) and contract manufacturing (PCB assembly, prototyping). The company pioneered cold cathode fluorescent lighting in 1972 and entered LED aviation lighting in 2008, now offering drop-in LED replacement kits with 100,000-hour service life and FAA PMA/STC certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• King Air LED Cabin System LED cabin overhead upgrade kit for Beechcraft King Air models (90, 100, 200, B200/250, 300, B300/350) providing up to 100,000-hour service life with plug-and-play installation using existing aircraft wiring and connectors. Includes FAA STC SA01634WI and SA01748WI approvals.
• Falcon 900B LED Cabin System LED cabin lighting upgrade kit for Falcon 900B business jet aircraft, providing modern LED illumination as a replacement for legacy fluorescent or incandescent systems.
• Beechjet 400/400A and Hawker 400XP LED Cabin Lights LED cabin lighting system designed for Beechjet 400, 400A, and Hawker 400XP aircraft as a drop-in upgrade from existing fluorescent lighting.
• Pilatus PC-12 LED Cabin System LED cabin lighting upgrade system for Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop aircraft.
• Learjet LED Cabin Lights LED interior cabin lighting upgrade kit for Learjet aircraft models.
• Citation LED Cabin Light System LED cabin lighting kit for Cessna Citation jet models including CJ1, CJ2, Bravo, II, V, Excel, III, VI, VII, Sovereign, and Citation X.
• LED Ice Light LED ice light upgrade for aircraft de-icing visibility, available in bayonet and threaded mount versions.
• LED Logo Light LED logo light for vertical fin mounting on aircraft for brand illumination.
• LED Wingtip Light Assemblies LED wingtip lighting assemblies for aircraft navigation and visibility.
• LED No Smoking / Fasten Seat Belt Sign LED illuminated signage for no smoking and fasten seat belt indications on aircraft.
• Citation LED Step Light LED step lighting for Cessna Citation aircraft cabin entry areas.
• Fluorescent Lighting Products Cold cathode fluorescent lighting systems for aircraft, including custom-made lamps and factory-overhauled power supplies sold with a one-year warranty, supporting legacy business jet fleets.
• Fluxgate Magnetometer High-sensitivity precision fluxgate magnetometers manufactured with specialized tape-wound bobbins and automated testing for uniform quality, used across industrial, aerospace, and defense applications.
• Tape-Wound Bobbin Cores Specialized tape-wound bobbin cores for low-frequency transformers, inductor designs, magnetometers, and current sensing transformers.
• Coil Winding / Transformers Precision wound magnetics including transformers, inductors, chokes, solenoids, and custom coil windings serving aviation, agriculture, automotive, medical, military, and motorcycle industries.
• Contract Engineering Services Comprehensive electronic engineering services from concept design and prototyping through in-house electronic testing and custom product development, typically scoped via Statement of Work proposals.
• Contract Manufacturing Scalable manufacturing services from prototyping to turn-key PCB assembly and quantity production, producing custom wound magnetics, transformers, inductors, chokes, solenoids, and PCB assemblies for customers across multiple industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• LED service life up to 100,000 hours vs. ~200 hours for incandescent bulbs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stevens Aerospace and Defense SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStevens Aerospace and Defense Systems is an authorized dealer and installation center for PWI aircraft lighting products, specializing in King Air LED kit installations. They report strong customer satisfaction with PWI's silent operation, cool running, and flicker-free performance.
• Global Aviation TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal Aviation Technologies serves as an authorized dealer for PWI products, working collaboratively on customer development projects where all parties can profit.
• Yingling AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYingling Aviation is an authorized dealer offering PWI aircraft interior products.
• Phoenix Rising AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhoenix Rising Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI aviation lighting products.
• Cost AerominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCost Aero is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• SouthCo AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouthCo Aviation performed installation of PWI LED overhead lighting system in a King Air B300. Customer reports minimal downtime and excellent results. SouthCo staff report high satisfaction with PWI's product quality and customer service.
• EDMO DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEDMO Distributors is a primary international distributor for PWI LED lighting products, serving the global aviation maintenance market.
• Deer Horn AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDeer Horn Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI King Air LED kits, with an interiors installer reporting the kits are excellent quality.
• AJ Aviation ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAJ Aviation Services is listed as an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• B&G AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorB&G Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI aviation lighting products.
• Flight MechanixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlight Mechanix is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Murmer Aircraft ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMurmer Aircraft Services is an authorized dealer for PWI aircraft interior lighting.
• American AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI paint and interior products.
• Madera Jet CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMadera Jet Center is an authorized dealer for PWI aircraft services products.
• Gallagher AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGallagher Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• DV AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDV Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI aviation lighting products.
• West Coast Aviation ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWest Coast Aviation Services is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Fieldtech AvionicsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFieldtech Avionics is an authorized dealer for PWI aviation products.
• Rose Aircraft ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRose Aircraft Services is an authorized dealer for PWI aircraft interior completion products.
• Turbo AirminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurbo Air is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Rose Wood Aircraft CompletionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRose Wood Aircraft Completions is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Ballard AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBallard Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI aircraft interior products.
• Omni Aircraft MaintenanceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOmni Aircraft Maintenance is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• SKY X Aircraft ServicesChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSKY X Aircraft Services is an authorized dealer for PWI aviation lighting products.
• Spring City AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpring City Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• SAI Flight ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSAI Flight Services is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Mid-Continent Aviation Services (MCAS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMid-Continent Aviation Services is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• Afterglow Aviation & SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfterglow Aviation & Solutions is an authorized dealer for PWI aircraft products.
• Dale AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDale Aviation is an authorized dealer for PWI products.
• AirParts Company Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAirParts Company Inc. is an international distributor for PWI aviation lighting products.
• Kadex Aero SupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply is a distributor for PWI Beechcraft parts.
• Oshino LampsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOshino Lamps (UK) is an international distributor for PWI aircraft lamps.
• CJ AerospaceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCJ Aerospace (Australia) is an international distributor for PWI Inc. products.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Triad Magnetics: Triad Magnetics manufactures transformers, inductors, chokes, and custom wound magnetics for industrial, medical, and aerospace customers. It is comparable to PWI's contract coil winding and transformer manufacturing services rather than its aviation lighting products.

Direct peers

• STG Aerospace: STG Aerospace specializes in aircraft cabin lighting, including LED mood lighting and photoluminescent floor path systems. Its cabin LED lighting offering competes directly with PWI's LED cabin lighting systems for business jets and turboprops.
• AeroLEDs: AeroLEDs designs and manufactures LED aircraft lighting for general aviation and experimental aircraft, including landing, taxi, position, and beacon lights. Its FAA PMA-approved lighting portfolio overlaps with PWI's external aircraft LED lighting products.
• LoPresti Aviation: LoPresti Aviation designs and manufactures PMA-approved LED lighting upgrades for general aviation and business aircraft, including landing, taxi, and position lights. It competes with PWI in the FAA PMA-approved aircraft lighting retrofit market.
• Bruce Aerospace: Bruce Aerospace manufactures aircraft cabin LED lighting and fluorescent power supplies, including drop-in LED upgrade kits for King Air and other business jets. It is the closest direct competitor to PWI in legacy business jet cabin lighting retrofits.
• Whelen Aerospace Technologies: Whelen Aerospace Technologies produces aviation lighting systems including LED beacons, wingtip lights, and ice lights for fixed-wing aircraft. Its external LED lighting portfolio overlaps directly with PWI's wingtip, ice, and logo light product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Diehl Aviation: Diehl Aviation is a tier-one supplier of cabin systems including LED mood lighting, cabin management, and lavatory equipment for commercial and business aircraft. It competes with PWI in cabin lighting but at much larger scale and primarily into OEM line-fit programs.
• Astronics Corporation: Astronics is a publicly traded aerospace and defense electronics company with an Aerospace segment that produces cabin lighting, in-flight entertainment, and aircraft safety systems. It serves as a broad incumbent with overlapping cabin lighting capabilities targeting larger airframers.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell Aerospace is a major tier-one aerospace supplier with broad avionics, lighting, and interior systems offerings. It provides aircraft lighting and cabin systems at much larger scale and through OEM relationships not directly accessible to a small aftermarket supplier like PWI.

Emerging players

• Arnold Magnetic Technologies: Arnold Magnetic Technologies manufactures precision magnetic materials and components, including tape-wound cores and magnetic assemblies. It overlaps with PWI's tape-wound bobbin cores, fluxgate magnetometers, and custom magnetics business.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pwiwichita
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGBEQ_A3kVm6S9ri_JA0J3A
• Facebookfacebook.com/PWIInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pwi-inc

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 PWI