Woodward to Sell Pilot Controls Line to Ontic

Deal covers throttle quadrants, rudder pedals and side sticks made in Niles, Ill.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:24pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a set of sleek, polished metal pilot controls and components, such as throttle quadrants, rudder pedals, and side sticks, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the transfer of Woodward's pilot controls product line to Ontic.Woodward's strategic sale of its pilot controls product line to Ontic reflects the company's focus on advancing next-generation aerospace technologies.Niles Today

Woodward, Inc., a world leader in aerospace and industrial controls, has announced an agreement to sell its pilot controls product line and associated services to Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing. The transaction includes Woodward's portfolio of pilot controls for commercial and defense applications, such as throttle quadrant assemblies, rudder pedals, and passive side sticks that are currently manufactured at Woodward's facility in Niles, Illinois.

Why it matters

This deal reflects Woodward's long-term strategy to optimize its portfolio and invest in its core growth areas across aerospace commercial and defense products and services. By transferring these product lines to Ontic, Woodward can focus on advancing next-generation aviation technologies, while customers will benefit from Ontic's proven expertise in long-term product support.

The details

As part of the transaction, Woodward and Ontic will enter into a long-term supply agreement under which Woodward will remain the sole supplier of certain engineered electromechanical components for pilot controls. In addition, Woodward will provide transition services over a 9-to-12-month period following the transaction close to support continuity of customer delivery.

  • The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The players

Woodward, Inc.

A world leader in aerospace and industrial controls, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing

A leading manufacturer to the world's civil and military aircraft, providing continuity, availability and longevity to customers' fleets.

Shawn McLevige

President of Woodward's Aerospace Segment.

Gareth Hall

Ontic Chief Executive Officer.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement with Ontic reflects our long-term strategy to optimize our portfolio and invest in our core growth areas across aerospace commercial and defense products and services.”

— Shawn McLevige, President of Woodward's Aerospace Segment

“We are pleased to have signed this latest agreement with Woodward. By transferring these product lines to Ontic, Woodward can focus on advancing next-generation aviation technologies, while customers benefit from our proven expertise in long-term product support.”

— Gareth Hall, Ontic Chief Executive Officer

What’s next

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The takeaway

This deal allows Woodward to focus on its core growth areas in aerospace and industrial controls, while Ontic takes over the pilot controls product line and provides long-term support to customers. It is part of Woodward's broader strategy to optimize its portfolio and invest in high-growth opportunities.