Kaman

AR 13

One Kaman

Kaman Aerospace

“At Kaman Aerospace, we are all driven to achieve the same mission: solving the toughest engineering challenges that enable the success of our clients in the aerospace and defense industries.”

Gregory L. Steiner, President of Kaman Aerospace Group and Executive Vice President – Kaman Corporation

Kaman Distribution

“As Kaman Distribution continues to expand our platform in terms of geography and product breadth, the key to our success remains the same: our people. We are thinkers, problem solvers, engineers and solutions providers.”

Steven J. Smidler, President of Kaman Distribution and Executive Vice President – Kaman Corporation

Building

Building the infrastructure to accommodate strong growth.

Our new facility in Höchstadt, Germany, shown here while under construction, will accommodate the growth in our European bearings business, which has more than doubled over the past decade.

Building an ERP system to enhance operating efficiency.

As our Distribution business has grown through acquisitions, the need to integrate legacy ERP systems has intensified. In 2013, we made excellent progress building a new, integrated ERP system that will replace 12 legacy systems.

Expanding

Expanding breadth of programs in 2013.

New program wins include A350 airframe bearings; the Learjet 85 composite door; the G7000/G8000 fixed leading edge; and the G280 winglet. Shown here is our new AH-1Z cabin program for Bell, underway in Jacksonville, FL.

Expanding our relationship with a premier supplier.

In 2013, Kaman expanded our distribution arrangement with Parker Hannifin through two acquisitions in the Northwest, which were accompanied by authorization to distribute Parker products in adjacent territories. This complements the earlier acquisition of Catching Fluid Power and our national reseller agreement.

Developing

Developing the next generation of Aerospace leaders.

Since 2011 more than 400 employees from across the organization have participated in our program management training efforts, including more than 100 in 2013.

Developing product expertise through eLearning.

Our Distribution segment leveraged innovative, web-based instructional practices to provide product-based training to employees in 240 locations.

Integrating

Integrating the full resources of Kaman Aerospace.

Our "One Kaman" approach aligns our capabilities more closely with our customers and gives them one point of contact at the company. Here, a Regional Sales Director and his team work collaboratively with representatives of Boeing.

Integrating new acquisitions is a core Kaman competency.

In 2013, two acquired Distribution companies, Florida Bearings and Zeller, worked together to secure a new project by offering a much broader capability than either company could have offered on its own.

Strengthening

Strengthening relationships with key aerospace customers.

In 2013, Boeing awarded Kaman an off-load program for two major sections of the 747-8 wing-to-body fairing, the latest expansion in a four-decades-long relationship with the company. This commercial program balances our mix of commercial and military programs.

Strengthening our national Distribution platform.

Our three-platform strategy—Bearings & Power Transmission; Fluid Power; and Automation, Control & Energy—enables us to serve customers across their operations. Here, an Account Manager provides on-site advice to a customer in the printing business.

Moving Forward

At Kaman, our focus is on the future: building a stronger company for our customers, shareholders, employees and communities. We look forward to sharing news of our progress in next year's report.

Continue to Letter to Shareholders >>