Manufacturing Today Issue - 219 December 2023 | Page 62

Capewell Aerial Systems ____________________________________________________________________________________

Capewell Aerial Systems ( Capewell ) is a 142-year-old manufacturing company firmly based in the defense sector . Back when horses were critical to mobility , George J . Capewell began his business as an innovator in the mass production of horseshoe nails . As the need for horses diminished with the rise of automobiles , Capewell diversified its offerings in the late 1930s through an effort with the US government to develop specialized hardware for military paratroopers . The device that was featured , a personnel parachute release designed to separate the soldier from the parachute after landing , remains a staple for the US military and allies today .

In 2014 , Aerial Machine and Tool Corp joined Capewell , with specialties in technical sewing , and survivability solutions for military and first responder applications . Today ,
Capewell engineers and manufactures reliable survivability and aerial delivery solutions that enable mission success for defense and commercial organizations around the globe .
In a conversation with the company ’ s President & CEO , Thomas Weidley , Manufacturing Today learns of the uniqueness of a Capewell aerial solution , and why the business continues to be a dependable name for the military after all these years . “ Our goal has always been to provide the best possible solutions for the warfighters . I was privileged to serve in the US Military for three-and-a-half decades , so I am deeply aware of the need to have the best , most reliable equipment in the hands of our men and women in uniform . From my perspective , I ’ m focused on the ways in which I can help support our service members as they go into harm ’ s way , so that they return home safely .”
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