How did Zodiac Transition From Manufacturing Balloons to Becoming Involved In The Aerospace Industry?

Zodiac Aerospace (Euronext: ZC) is a world leader in the production and development of on-board systems and cabin interiors. Their products are used for commercial, regional and business aircraft, as well as helicopters and space applications.This French company’s history dates back to 1896 as a leading balloon airship manufacturer that, in 1909, manufactured the world’s first sporting and tourist balloons. Zodiac’s experience in airplanes can be traced back to 1911 when they contributed to the war effort by constructing airplanes.

Since then, Zodiac has been excelling in the Aerospace industry through their six businesses: Aircraft Systems, Cabin and Structures, Galleys and Equipment, Seats, Aerosafety, and Services. From their inception to present day, advance Zodiac has acquired over 25 companies to strategically advance their six business sectors. More recently, Zodiac has been focusing on their Cabin and Structures sector to compete in the $12 billion industry. The most recent acquisition on June 5, 2014 of Greenpoint Technologies, a world leader in VIP Cabin Interiors, will strengthen Zodiac’s expertise in cabin interiors and provide them with a company that employs 450 people with annual revenues of $150 million. This 3rd acquisition of the fiscal year, following PPP in February and Triagnosys in September, is part of Zodiac Aerospace’s strategy of developing through external growth which can be clearly seen as during the first 9 months of the 2013/2014 fiscal year, Zodiac Aerospace’s sales went up +7.3% to €3,043.7 million.