AIRCRAFT PRECISION PRODUCTS: Cybersecurity Assessment Helps Retain Contracts

Established in 1946, Aircraft Precision Products, Inc. (APPI) employs 60 people in its modern 58,000 square foot facility in Ithaca, Mich. Averaging approximately $14 million in sales annually, APPI has long been a leading component supplier to the commercial and military aircraft engine industry. As part of this renowned reputation, APPI has a NADCAP accredited in-house metallographic testing facility in addition to accredited thermal coating processes. APPI serves customers that provide precision machining, thermal coating and other services in the metalworking industry. APPI's superior quality systems have been recognized by both General Electric and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

The company shut down for the holidays, and upon returning after the new year, they found they had been victims of a ransomware attack on their exchange servers, as well as their main servers which housed their shared drive. APPI was crippled for a week before they could get their data back and get the facility up and running again.

APPI turned to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center, Michigan's MEP Center, part of the MEP National Network™) - Northeast. The Center-NE worked with APPI to conduct a cybersecurity assessment paired with NIST 800-171 guidelines. After the gap assessment was finalized, The Center worked on developing a system security plan for APPI. As a result of working with The Center, APPI was able to keep their contracts with the DOD, General Electric and Rolls Royce, who required stringent cybersecurity standards. APPI has a strong commitment to continuous improvement with plans for ongoing security upgrades and process improvements.