Our History of Aerospace Excellence
From our founding in 1970 as a manufacturer of support and test equipment to a trusted aerospace partner, our history is defined by continuous growth and operational readiness.
Decades of Growth Innovation
Explore the key milestones that have shaped our journey from a specialized manufacturer to a global aerospace support partner. Each step reflects our dedication to expanding capabilities and serving the evolving needs of commercial and defense operators.
- 2026
CIRI & THE NEXT CHAPTER
Habco's 55+ years of capabilities, customer relationships and aerospace heritage are combined with CIRI's resources, relationships and long-term investment horizon to create a platform for the company's next stage of growth.
2026 - Habco Joins CIRI
Habco is acquired by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), an Alaska Native corporation, beginning a new chapter of long-term ownership and investment while preserving Habco's brand, team, customer relationships and operating heritage.
2026 - Continued Customer Expansion
Habco receives a three-year Boeing IDIQ supporting KC-46 engine tooling, executes extension of the Auxitrol Weston agreement, continuing the expansion of its relationships across major commercial and defense platforms.
- 2012-2025
STRATEGIC GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION
Habco transforms from a traditional engineered-products manufacturer into a diversified aerospace sustainment, MRO and asset-management company built around long-term OEM relationships.
2012-2013 - OEM Strategy Accelerates
Habco earns UTC Supplier Gold status, establishes a strategic relationship with Sikorsky and signs a sole-source development agreement supporting Sikorsky ground support equipment.
2015-2016 - Licensed Sustainment Platform Takes Shape
Habco establishes significant OEM-authorized and licensed relationships with Pratt & Whitney and Engine Alliance, expanding its role from equipment manufacturer to long-term aerospace sustainment partner.
2017 - MRO Capability Established
Habco launches its FAA-certified Part 145 repair operation, expanding beyond equipment and tooling into aerospace component repair.
2017-2018 - OEM Relationships Continue to Expand
Habco expands its relationships with Pratt & Whitney Canada, Engine Alliance and Boeing, and enters an exclusive aftermarket GSE distribution agreement with Sikorsky.
2019-2022 - Asset Management Becomes a Third Capability
Habco expands into aerospace warehousing, logistics and asset readiness, ultimately consolidating these operations into a dedicated 120,000+ sq. ft. Asset Readiness Center.
2023 - Strategic Partnerships Deepen
Sikorsky extends Habco's role as its exclusive aftermarket GSE partner, while Habco becomes Auxitrol Weston's exclusive partner in the Americas accelerating the FAA-certified Part 145 repair facility.
2024-2025 - Positioned for the Next Chapter
Habco achieves ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, continues expanding its OEM-authorized capabilities and celebrates 55 years of engineering, manufacturing and aerospace support excellence.
- 2000-2012
SECOND-GENERATION OWNERSHIP
Habco builds on its engineering and manufacturing foundation, expands further into aerospace and rotary-wing support equipment, and develops the operational foundation for its next period of growth.
2000-2007 - Aerospace Expansion & Manufacturing Excellence
Under second-generation ownership, Habco continues expanding its aerospace and rotary-wing capabilities while earning national recognition for manufacturing and operational excellence.
2007 - A New Phase Begins
Brian Montanari joins Habco, beginning a period of increasing focus on growth, aerospace OEM relationships and expansion of the company's traditional business model.
2012 - Leadership & Ownership Transition
Brian Montanari is named President & CEO and, together with an investment group, acquires Habco from Kristin Muschett, beginning the company's next chapter.
- 1970-2000
FOUNDING & FAMILY LEGACY
Habco grows from a concept into an established aerospace manufacturer, developing the engineering, Pratt & Whitney and test stand roots that remain part of the company's DNA today.
1970 - Habco is Founded
Henry August Backmann incorporates Habco with six employees, establishing the engineering and manufacturing foundation upon which the company would grow.
1975 - Aerospace Roots Begin
Habco begins producing gas turbine engine skids for Pratt & Whitney, establishing a relationship with the aerospace industry that continues more than 50 years later.
1982-2000 - GSE, Diversification & the Next Generation
Habco develops its first ground support equipment for Pratt & Whitney engines, expands into additional aerospace and industrial markets, and transitions to its second generation as Henry's daughter, Kristin Muschett, joins the business and ultimately acquires 100% ownership in 2000.