July 17, 2026

New York, NY – Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”) today announced its investment in American Aero, Inc. (“American Aero” or the “Company”), a Brooklet, Georgia-based producer of precision-manufactured aerospace components. American Aero is the first investment in Kinderhook Strategic Opportunities Fund I, and Kinderhook’s 33^rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2018, American Aero has grown from a local, family-founded operation into a trusted manufacturing partner for the aviation supply chain. Kelsey Conner and Michael Kleinpeter, who lead the Company today, have carried that founding vision forward, building a reputation for precision, quality, and on-time delivery, supported by a 100+ person team with capabilities across precision machining, CNC, routing, waterjet cutting, finishing, assembly, and inspection.

In connection with closing, Frank Iezzi, a longtime Kinderhook Operating Partner, has been named Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Kunkel has been named Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors includes Michael Kleinpeter, Ken Friedman, Jay Caldwell, Ed Dolanski, and representatives of Kinderhook.

Kinderhook’s investment reflects a partnership with American Aero’s ownership and will provide the growth capital needed to expand the Company’s capacity and capabilities while preserving the local, family-oriented culture that has defined American Aero since its founding. The investment will support:

• Expansion of American Aero’s manufacturing capacity through its new 47,000 square-foot facility in Brooklet, Georgia, across from the Company’s existing headquarters
• Continued investment in equipment, systems, and processes to increase throughput and support customer demand
• Broader manufacturing capabilities to serve complex, time-sensitive aerospace supply chains
• Additional leadership and operating resources to support a scaling aerospace manufacturing platform
• Preservation of American Aero’s local presence, operating culture, and customer-first approach

“Kinderhook is excited to partner with American Aero as the Company enters its next phase of growth. American Aero has earned an exceptional reputation with its customers, and we look forward to supporting continued investment in the people, equipment, and capabilities needed to build on that success while preserving the local, customer-first culture that has made the Company successful,” said Nate Druckenmiller, Managing Director, Kinderhook Industries.

“American Aero represents an attractive platform in a highly fragmented aerospace components market. The Company has built a differentiated position, and we see significant opportunity to expand its capabilities, customer base, and geographic reach through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” said Chris Flood, Vice President, Kinderhook Industries.

“I have known American Aero and its founders for many years and have tremendous respect for the business Jack, Kelsey, and Michael have built. American Aero’s reputation has been earned one order at a time through reliability, urgency, and execution. Our priority is to build on that foundation by investing in the facility, equipment, and people needed to better serve customers,” said Frank Iezzi, Kinderhook Operating Partner and incoming Chief Executive Officer of American Aero.

Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to Kinderhook.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact: 
Nate Druckenmiller
Managing Director
(212) 201-6791
[email protected]
 
Christopher Flood
Vice President
(212) 201-6794
[email protected]