The Eastern Company has announced the acquisition of Sungear, LLC and Crown Precision, two California-based precision manufacturers of high-tolerance components serving aerospace, defense, and adjacent end markets, for $7.85 million in aggregate consideration on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The transaction establishes a fourth operating platform for Eastern, complementing its existing portfolio of Eberhard Manufacturing, Velvac, and Big 3 Precision. The deal was funded through borrowings under Eastern’s existing revolving credit facility with Citizens Bank, and on a combined basis the two companies generated approximately $22.8 million in revenue for the trailing twelve months ended April 1, 2026.
San Diego-based Sungear manufactures complex high-tolerance precision gears and subassemblies — including internal and external gears, splines, helical gears, and integrated assemblies — for commercial and defense aerospace end markets, supported by longstanding approvals and certifications with leading aerospace customers. Irwindale, California-based Crown Precision specializes in the precision machining of actuation components and assemblies including rod ends, glands, bushings, caps, and plates using aircraft-grade alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, and bronze, serving a long-standing customer base across commercial, private, and military aircraft programs.
Both businesses will continue to be led by their existing management teams under Eastern’s decentralized, holding-company operating model, with Eastern providing financial discipline, strategic guidance, and access to capital to support investment in capacity, automation, and product development. The acquisitions align with Eastern’s strategic priorities to expand its portfolio of operating platforms, add engineered products with attractive end-market exposure, and deploy capital into businesses that benefit from multi-year aerospace and defense procurement tailwinds. Shelton, Connecticut-based Eastern manages businesses that design, manufacture, and sell engineered products and solutions for industrial markets, operating from locations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and China.
KEY QUOTES:
“This transaction creates a fourth operating platform for Eastern that expands our presence in the aerospace and defense markets in a disciplined manner. Sungear and Crown each have deep engineering capabilities, embedded positions within long-cycle programs at leading aerospace and defense customers, and exposure to multi-year procurement tailwinds. Both businesses complement our existing portfolio and fit well within Eastern’s decentralized operating model, offering them a clear opportunity to benefit from the operational and strategic support we provide our other platforms.”
Ryan A. Schroeder, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Eastern Company
