Patton Electronics announced it has acquired Practical Technologies Inc. (PTI) in a deal the company framed as a strategic move to expand manufacturing capacity and broaden its electronics production capabilities for customers in defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.
Patton said the transaction adds PTI’s 20,000-square-foot Baltimore-area manufacturing facility to Patton’s existing operations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, creating what it described as a more comprehensive electronics manufacturing hub in the state. The combined operation is positioned to support a wider range of programs and production volumes, spanning prototypes, low-rate builds, and high-volume manufacturing.
Patton characterized the acquisition as a way to offer customers a more comprehensive, one-stop service offering. The company said the combined platform can handle custom wire-and-cable, PCB assembly, electro-mechanical assembly, and epoxy and silicon potting, bringing multiple steps of electronics manufacturing under one roof. The company emphasized that PTI’s strengths fill capability gaps and should improve speed, pricing, and throughput without sacrificing quality.
From an equipment and process perspective, Patton highlighted PTI’s advanced manufacturing tooling as a key part of the rationale. PTI expands Patton’s capabilities with Juki pick-and-place systems, Heller reflow ovens, Nicolet real-time X-ray imaging, and automated optical inspection systems. Patton said PTI specializes in surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole assembly, as well as wire-harness and cable assembly, chassis assembly, and potting and encapsulation services. Patton specifically pointed to PTI’s experience in low-volume, quick-turn PCBA manufacturing as a complement to Patton’s existing engineering, design, and manufacturing offerings.
Operationally, Patton outlined several advantages it expects to gain from the acquisition. The added facility increases capacity without requiring significant upfront capital investment, while PTI’s specialized services deepen the combined product set in areas such as wire harnesses and encapsulation. Patton also cited a geographic advantage of PTI’s Baltimore-area location, reinforcing PTI’s strategic East Coast footprint. On quality and compliance, Patton said PTI’s ISO-9001 and AS9100 certifications support integration and alignment with customers that require stringent manufacturing standards, particularly in aerospace and defense supply chains.
Patton said PTI will operate as a qualified subsidiary within the Patton organization, retaining its own profit-and-loss responsibility while benefiting from shared resources across the broader company. Patton framed that structure as a way to maintain continuity for PTI customers while still capturing synergies and strengthening operational resilience across the combined platform. The company also linked the deal to growth ambitions for its contract services business, positioning the acquisition as additional capacity to expand that line of business as customer demand evolves.
KEY QUOTES
“This acquisition represents a strategic investment in manufacturing capacity and capability. By combining Patton’s engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities with PTI’s specialized manufacturing expertise, we’re creating a one-stop solution for customers who need to innovate with excellence.”
Burton Patton, Chief Revenue Officer, Patton
“PTI’s expertise in low volume, quick-turn PCBA manufacturing, cable assemblies and encapsulation fills some gaps for Patton. Their established processes and equipment allow us to deliver faster turnarounds and more competitive pricing while maintaining high quality standards.”
Robert Patton, Chief Operating Officer, Patton
“This acquisition gives Patton room to grow the Contract Services business. We’re building a stronger foundation for growth while better serving our customers’ evolving needs.”
Rich Coursey, Sales Director, Contract Services Division, Patton
