3P Processing, a provider of metal processing and finishing solutions for the aerospace industry, announced the appointment of Ben Murrell as chief executive officer. Murrell will lead the company’s next phase of growth and customer-focused innovation following 3P Processing’s acquisition by Littlejohn Capital last year.
Murrell succeeds Terry Karst, who is retiring after leading the company since 2008. During his tenure, Karst helped establish 3P Processing as a market leader with long-term customer relationships across the aerospace and defense sectors.
The company said Murrell is expected to expand 3P Processing’s market share and strengthen its position as a specialized one-stop supplier for surface metal processing and finishing services supporting the commercial aerospace, business aviation, and defense industries.
Murrell brings more than 20 years of aerospace and defense management experience. Most recently, he served in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul division of Triumph Aerospace/AAR. He previously held roles at Honeywell, Spirit AeroSystems, and Bombardier. Murrell earned a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University and an MBA from Newman University.
Founded in 1974, 3P Processing provides metal finishing, testing, and inspection services for aerospace and defense companies. Operating from Wichita, Kansas, the company supports aerospace OEM suppliers with non-destructive testing, masking, painting, chemical processing, and anodizing services for aluminum, titanium, and steel aerostructure components.
Littlejohn Capital is the family office of Angus C. Littlejohn Jr., co-founder of Littlejohn & Co. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on control investments in small to mid-sized private companies undergoing strategic, operational, or generational transitions.
KEY QUOTES:
“Ben is an experienced aerospace and defense executive with 20+ years of management experience and we are thrilled to welcome him to 3P. His inclusive leadership style, industry expertise, growth orientation and dedication to operational excellence align perfectly with our long-term vision for 3P. We’re confident that his leadership and previous experience position the company strongly to drive further innovation and growth. Terry has paved the way to get the company where it is today and put it on a trajectory for continued success and we thank him for his many years of service to 3P.”
Angus C. Littlejohn III, President, Littlejohn Capital
