Mach Industries announced it has acquired Exquadrum, Inc., a company specializing in aerospace and defense propulsion technologies, in a move designed to strengthen its vertically integrated manufacturing and accelerate development of next-generation unmanned systems.
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Mach Industries develops advanced unmanned systems and manufacturing infrastructure for defense applications. Through the acquisition, Exquadrum’s propulsion, energetics, and testing capabilities will be integrated directly into Mach’s platform architecture under a newly formed division called Mach Energetics.
The deal significantly expands Mach Industries’ capabilities across solid rocket motor propulsion technologies, launch systems, divert and attitude control systems, munitions, testing, and technical services. By bringing these functions in-house, the company said it expects to accelerate development cycles, optimize propulsion performance for specific platforms, and reduce costs through tighter integration between propulsion, energetics, guidance, control, and airframe systems.
Mach Industries CEO and founder Ethan Thornton said the acquisition gives the company direct control over one of the most important aspects of unmanned systems performance while strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Exquadrum CEO and co-founder Kevin Mahaffy said the two companies share strong technical and operational alignment, enabling a unified approach across solid propulsion, pyrotechnics, munitions, warheads, and other energetic technologies. He added that the combined platform expands the company’s design capabilities beyond traditional rocket systems and supports a broader range of mission requirements.
As part of the transaction, Exquadrum’s engineering teams and facilities will be integrated into Mach Industries’ development and production operations. The integration is expected to support faster testing cycles and more rapid iteration across Mach’s five active vehicle programs, several of which are already entering battlefield deployment and production ramp phases this year.
The acquisition also advances Mach Industries’ broader strategy to build a more resilient domestic manufacturing and testing base for defense technologies. The company said vertical integration of mission-critical systems will help reduce dependence on external suppliers and eliminate production bottlenecks.
Exquadrum president and co-founder Eric Schmidt said the partnership was intentionally chosen after evaluating multiple potential partners, citing strong technical and cultural alignment between the companies.
Exquadrum operates a 70,000-square-foot facility in Victorville, California, alongside its nearby FORGE energetics and rocket propulsion test site. Mach Industries said the infrastructure will help increase throughput, reduce lead times, and support both internal programs and external customer engagements. The combined company also plans to continue supporting outside customers as a component and subsystem provider for booster, sustainer, and unmanned aerial system platforms.
Exquadrum’s customer base includes organizations such as the United States Air Force, the Missile Defense Agency, DARPA, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
KEY QUOTES:
“Bringing Exquadrum’s propulsion expertise into Mach gives us direct control over one of the most critical elements of unmanned systems performance. This is a key milestone in Mach’s journey, one that strengthens our manufacturing stack and, in turn, strengthens the American edge for the next-generation of defense.”
Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder, Mach Industries
“There is a strong synergy between our companies. Exquadrum’s propulsion and energetic systems developed over the past two decades integrate directly with Mach’s platform work, enabling a unified approach spanning solid propulsion, pyrotechnics, munitions, warheads, and other energetic technologies. This combined capability expands the design space well beyond rockets, allowing us to deliver more capable, adaptable systems to meet a broader set of mission requirements.”
Kevin Mahaffy, CEO and Co-Founder, Exquadrum
“We did not arrive here by chance. After evaluating a range of potential partners, Mach emerged as the clear fit, combining unmatched technical and cultural alignment. This was an intentional decision to bring together expertise, passion, and vision to create an entirely new capability, purpose-driven to deliver real advantage to the warfighter in defense of our great country.”
Eric Schmidt, President and Co-Founder, Exquadrum
