CEF Timeline
1946
Calco Engineering & Manufacturing is established in Chicago by Charles J. Gustafson, beginning as a precision machine shop focused on tight-tolerance manufacturing.
National Archives photo no. 6430109
1950's
As aerospace programs accelerate, Calco expands into higher-complexity work for the General Electric Turbo Supercharger program, including the Main Lubricating Pump and Governor Assembly for the B-52 APU. During this decade, the company also designs and qualifies rotary actuators for the A4D platform (Vap-Air), setting the stage for decades of actuation innovation.
1960-1969
Calco designs a motor-driven coolant pump for the Titan Missile Guidance System and grows a compressor product line for potable water system pressurization, beginning with the Convair 880 and expanding to major commercial aircraft programs including the 747, DC-10, and L-1011. The company also launches early C-130 flight-control actuation work with aileron and rudder trim tab actuators and develops the C-130 flap gear box.
National Archives photo no. 17442590
National Archives photo no. 6430647
1970-1979
Building on earlier actuation experience, the company broadens rotary actuation programs across platforms such as the F-14, AWACS, and B-1. In parallel, Calco engineers major C-130 systems, including the Main Landing Gear retract system and the Elevator Trim system, and delivers complete flap actuation system work for the Piper Cheyenne and Navajo. The decade also advances CEF’s role in aerospace thermal management through a radar coolant pump program supporting the F-15.
1980-1989
The organization becomes CEF (Calco–Environ–Flexible Shaft), reflecting a broader and more integrated aerospace capability. CEF establishes in-house ball screw manufacturing and assembly capability to support demanding flight control and landing gear applications, while continuing to serve defense programs including a radar coolant pump program for the B-1B. The decade also includes development of a standard low-cost linear actuator product line and expanded potable water compressor adoption, including Gulfstream selection.
1990-1999
CEF’s compressor footprint expands further as Airbus selects CEF compressors for potable water systems. Internally, CEF strengthens long-term capability by implementing an ESOP, acquiring Sargent Technologies’ manufacturing rights for their c-130 flap ballscrew acutator, and consolidating operations into a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility in Addison, Illinois. The company also deepens its military transport portfolio by being awarded the C-130J Enhanced Cargo Handling System and expanding installed cargo handling content, including LRUs, lock boxes, and related assemblies, while continuing growth in business aviation through programs such as CRJ-700 and Gulfstream.
2000-2009
CEF continues to earn trust on high-consequence platforms, including selection by Boeing Rotorcraft for the V-22 Cargo Hook Actuator and by Honeywell for APU inlet door actuation across multiple aircraft families. Boeing awards additional work including the C-17 APU Door Actuator and trim actuation, and CEF is awarded the A380 water system compressor. In 2008, TransDigm (TDG) acquires CEF Industries, and CEF continues expanding in rotorcraft and filtration programs, including EC-135 and EC-145 air filtration bypass door actuation.
US Air Force Photo by Trevor Cokley
2010-Present
CEF’s portfolio builds across cargo systems, actuation, and controls as the company is selected for programs such as A400M cargo lock actuation, KC-390 APU door actuation, and Pilatus PC-24 controls. Partnerships deepen across the aerospace supply chain, including Safran selections for Global 7000/8000 APU Door Actuator and RVDT, Airbus Defense and Space selection for an A400M crane rail actuator, and continued filtration actuation wins across rotorcraft platforms and applications.
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