Woodward to Acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing

Acquisition expands Woodward's aerospace controls portfolio with precision valve technologies.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:03am

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Woodward Inc. announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM), a Florida-based manufacturer of high-precision flow control valves for aerospace applications. The acquisition would further expand Woodward's portfolio of aerospace controls and create opportunities in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) programs, including newly developing Next Generation Single Aisle (NSA) aircraft platforms.

Why it matters

The acquisition allows Woodward to expand its aerospace controls business by adding VRM's specialized precision electromagnetic valve technologies, which are critical for modern aircraft to enable precise and accurate flow control. This strengthens Woodward's position to serve both commercial and defense aerospace manufacturers.

The details

VRM brings a workforce of approximately 130 employees with deep expertise in advanced flow control technologies. Their specialized capabilities complement Woodward's established engineering, design and manufacturing strengths in fuel and motion control systems. VRM's products are already widely used by leading aerospace OEMs and deployed across major commercial and defense aircraft platforms.

  • Woodward announced the acquisition agreement on March 11, 2026.

The players

Woodward Inc.

An American industrial technology company that designs, manufactures, and services energy control and optimization solutions for the aerospace and industrial markets.

Valve Research & Manufacturing Company (VRM)

A Florida-based manufacturer that specializes in the production of high-precision flow control valves designed for aerospace applications.

Shawn McLevige

President of Woodward's Aerospace segment.

Patricia Kilgallon

President of Valve Research.

Paul L. Cruz

The founder of Valve Research & Manufacturing Company.

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What they’re saying

“This acquisition is another example of how we are adding critical enablers to best serve our customers and grow our business.”

— Shawn McLevige, President of Woodward's Aerospace segment

“After more than 50 years as a family-owned business, we were thoughtful about choosing the right partner for Valve Research's next chapter. We've worked with Woodward for decades and know the caliber of their organization. Their reputation for taking care of their people and their commitment to engineering excellence made them the right choice for our team, our customers, and the legacy my father, Paul L. Cruz, created.”

— Patricia Kilgallon, President of Valve Research

What’s next

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The takeaway

This acquisition allows Woodward to strengthen its position in the aerospace controls market by adding VRM's specialized precision valve technologies, which are critical components for modern and future aircraft platforms. The combination of VRM's engineering expertise and Woodward's established manufacturing capabilities creates synergies that will benefit aerospace OEMs and end users.