Valence Surface Technologies Acquisition Enhances Aerospace Surface Treatment Capabilities

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Valence Surface Technologies LLC (El Segundo, California), reported to be the largest independent aerospace surface finishing platform in North America, has announced the acquisition of Lawrence, Massachusetts-based C.I.L. Metal Finishing and C.I.L. Electroplating (CIL), a provider of surface treatment for highly engineered products in the North American aerospace and defense market. CIL provides surface treatment to prominent U.S. customers and platforms under key approvals, including Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and their extensive network of approved suppliers.

Founded and operated by Jim Coskren since 1986, CIL has built a strong reputation for providing complex, high-quality metal finishing services. The company’s capabilities include plating on wire mesh for EMI and RFI shielding, plating on magnesium, large equipment blasting and refurbishment, anodizing, chem-film, hard metal and precious metal plating, and high-performance painting services — all for mission-critical defense, space and commercial aerospace applications.

CIL employs approximately 160 people and operates two facilities in Lawrence, Massachusetts, totaling approximately 150,000 square feet, with capacity for future expansion.

The acquisition of CIL marks another milestone in Valence’s strategy to improve the aerospace and defense supply chain through an integrated, full-service platform offering product finishing solutions with high quality and efficient turn times, according to the company.

CIL’s existing management team and workforce will remain with the organization as part of the transaction. Jim Coskren will continue as vice president and remain a driver of growth for the business. CIL operations management, including Mike Venable, Dennis Reidy, Alec Jillson and Rob Couyoumjian, will stay actively involved in the business through this next chapter of growth.

Valence is majority-owned by ATL Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corp., who invested in Valence in June 2019 to support its strategic initiatives and continued expansion. CIL represents the 11th add-on acquisition for Valence since inception, and the company plans to pursue additional merger and acquisition opportunities in both North America and Europe.