Dedienne Aerospace acquires The Champion GSE and strengthens its presence in the United States.
October 1, 2024 – Springfield, Ohio – Dedienne Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace maintenance equipment, is proud to announce the strategic
acquisition of The Champion GSE, a recognized player in the design, production, and maintenance in operational condition of containers for transporting sensitive equipment, as well as ground support equipment (GSE).
This acquisition marks a key milestone in Dedienne Aerospace’s development, which strengthens its industrial presence in the United States while expanding its product and technology offerings for the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.
The Champion GSE produces containers that ensure the integrity of systems during transportation or storage phases. They protect against shocks and vibrations and are both watertight and airtight, thus enabling pressurization. These technologies, which are highly complementary to those mastered by Dedienne Aerospace’s engineering teams, offer significant opportunities for innovation to all clients.
As part of this acquisition, Dedienne Aerospace is implementing an ambitious investment plan to modernize and expand The Champion GSE’s industrial capabilities, as well as to develop new products. These investments, with the first machines scheduled to be operational by early 2025, will double The Champion GSE’s production capacity while enhancing its competitiveness.
“We are excited to integrate The Champion GSE’s exceptional products and expertise into Dedienne Aerospace,” said Cédric Barbe, chairman of Dedienne Aerospace. “This acquisition is a strategic move to better serve our
American customers by providing them with a broader range of innovative equipment for both the civil and defense markets. The Champion GSE’s proven capabilities, particularly in the defense sector, complement our own, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers and to explore new avenues for growth。”
“This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both companies,” said Dimitri Gianakapoulos, CEO and former owner of The Champion GSE. “Our expertise in the defense market, combined with Dedienne Aerospace’s global reach and innovative approach to maintenance equipment, creates strong synergies that will benefit our customers. Over the past few months, I have become confident that Dedienne Aerospace is the ideal choice to carry on The Champion GSE’s legacy. With its human-centered leadership and dynamic vision for the future, Dedienne will provide the industrial strength needed to enhance production capabilities and ensure sustained growth for years to come.”
This operation supports the deployment of industrial infrastructure at the Saint-Juéry site in France. The two facilities will be twin plants, with one serving OEMs in the American market and the other serving OEMs in the European market.
About Dedienne Aerospace: Dedienne Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace maintenance equipment and services for both civil and defense markets, with over 50 years of industrial excellence. As a trusted partner and official licensee for prestigious OEMs such as Boeing, CFM, Collins Aerospace, General Electric, Safran, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce, Dedienne Aerospace is committed to delivering the highest-quality equipment and top-level service to its customers worldwide. From engineering to manufacturing, the company offers a comprehensive range of maintenance solutions with an agile approach focused on digital tooling management. Operating on every continent, Dedienne Aerospace ensures close proximity to its customers through responsive and high-performing after-sales support.
About The Champion GSE: The Champion GSE is a leading engineering and manufacturing company based in Springfield, Ohio, USA. With decades of experience, The Champion GSE specializes in the design and production of high-quality containers, ground support equipment, and tooling solutions for various industries. Its products are globally recognized for their durability, innovation, and precision, supporting major airlines, maintenance facilities, and OEMs. The Champion GSE is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and engineering excellence, making it a trusted partner for clients worldwide.
