DART Helicopter Services Acquires Elite Specialty Coatings

March 30, 2010
The acquisition enables DHS to paint and refinish components and accessories for helicopter industry customers.

Oceanside, Calif., March 30, 2010 — DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is growing again, this time expanding its capabilities and physical footprint with the acquisition of Elite Specialty Coatings in Oceanside, Calif. The acquisition enables DHS to paint and refinish components and accessories for helicopter industry customers. It will also further expand the company's global footprint, adding 8,000 square feet to DHS’s five worldwide locations.

“This is a significant addition for us,” said DHS President Jeff Shapiro. “Customers may now turn to DART for this essential service, with confidence that the work will be done quickly and efficiently.”

DHS will leverage the additional production space, which is adjacent to DHS-affiliated manufacturer Apical Industries, to integrate and streamline various manufacturing and administrative activities.

As part of the acquisition, DHS obtained the equipment necessary for paint and powder coat finishing operations. Specifically, the company now has a cross flow spray paint booth, cross flow powder coating booth, cross flow blast booth, and bake batch oven. The equipment will enable DHS to paint or powder coat components, accessories, or entire product batches to meet customer specifications.