As your composites partner, we work with you to support your custom designed solution from proof-of-concept through to production, including assisting with FAA, EASA, and other regulatory approvals. Our ability to provide full in-house services, paired with our deep experience in a wide variety of aerospace-certified composites, allows us to develop cost-saving composite techniques and processes.
These efficient processes mean we consistently shorten certification times. We pass the savings of these efficiencies on to you as we deliver cost-effective diverse solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
ACS Certifications
- AS9001:2015
- ITAR REGISTERED & COMPLIANT
- FAA Composite Manufacturing Facility
- AS9100 Rev D
- NIAR Qualified Processes
Executive Team
Leadership
Matt Shieman
President
Matt recently joined Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS) as President and an Investor. Over the last 40 years he has invested in companies operating in the Aviation and Commercial Finance markets where he has held leadership roles in the development and successful expansion of multiple businesses. As an original founder and investor in Blackhawk Aerospace (Blackhawk), Matt served as Chairman of the Blackhawk Business Units for over 23 years.
He worked directly with senior leadership members of Blackhawk in developing key relationships in supply chain, banking, and international distribution to ensure the company’s profitable operations and growth expansion. Shieman holds an MBA in finance, a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and is a licensed CPA.
Dale Griffin
Director and Investor
Dale Griffin recently joined Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS) as Director and Investor. Dale Griffin’s professional career has transitioned over 40-plus years from corporate finance and investment management to aviation-related ventures both as an investor and an owner. After spending 13 years at AIM (now Invesco) Mutual Funds as a founder of their International Equity Funds, Griffin left in 2003 to focus on his aircraft charter and maintenance business. A co-founder of Blackhawk Aerospace (Blackhawk), he now serves on the board of New State Aviation Holdings, the majority owner of Blackhawk since 2022. Griffin holds an MBA in finance and certifications as a certified public accountant and chartered financial analyst.
Sean James
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO at Aerospace Composites Solutions, Sean James oversees the company’s accounting, finance, and management reporting activities. His background includes more than 35 years of experience in financial operations and management. A certified public accountant, he has worked in a number of industries designing, implementing, and operating systems and processes that support and strengthen finance and human resources departments.
Management Team
Steve Ell
Manager of Production and Engineering
Steve Ell has an impressive background in manufacturing engineering and production, having served in leadership positions at Cirrus Aircraft Company, NORDAM and Wurth Electronics Midcom. In his current position at ACS, he oversees engineering and production to ensure lean, safe, and economic processes, including working with customers to providing engineering advice to customers to help ensure product success. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Ell earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota.
Deanna Deweese
Controller
Deanna Deweese brings close to a decade of manufacturing accounting experience to ACS, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus on accounting from Sullivan University. As a key member of ACS, she oversees the company’s accounting and financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Deanna also manages the purchasing and supply chain functions, optimizing operations and inventory management. Her dedication, analytical skills, and comprehensive understanding of manufacturing accounting make her an invaluable asset. With a commitment to professionalism and integrity, Deanna effectively communicates complex financial information, enhancing transparency and supporting informed decision-making at ACS.
Alan Thompson
Quality Manger
In his position as quality manager, Alan Thompson is responsible for all aspects of ACS’s quality system including daily inspections, PMA, export documentation, implementation, and continuous improvement of AS-9100 certification and systems, and preproduction and production planning of quality related issues. With a mechanical engineering career spanning 26 years in automotive and 12 years in the aerospace industry, his background includes program and project management, design analysis, and implementation of new product manufacturing processes. This diverse background makes him a valuable asset in cross functional environments where a broad knowledge base is required.
Bill Smrtic
Production Manager / Founding Partner
Bill Smrtic brings not only pride of ownership to Aerospace Composites Services, but also a strong determination to build the highest quality products possible, following his motto: “We will find a way.” His strong background in composites includes aerospace, wind energy, and the automotive industries. Smrtic’s expertise with out-of-autoclave processing techniques helps ACS offer a lower cost solution for customers’ complex requirements. His technical expertise extends into development and fabrication of high-quality composite tooling utilizing conventional laminating and VARTM techniques. He is also skilled in using FaroArm coordinate measurement equipment to inspect or reverse engineer products.
James Blancett
Quality Assurance Manager
James Blancett brings extensive experience as an aviation structural mechanic and non-destructive inspection technician from his 11-year service in the U.S. Navy. Having worked on and inspected aircraft worldwide, including deployments to Japan, Germany, Afghanistan, and Iraq, James possesses a wealth of expertise in aviation maintenance and inspection. After his military career, he joined Honeywell as a non-destructive inspection technician before becoming a crucial member of the ACS team. In his current role, James oversees the company’s Quality Inspection processes, ensuring strict compliance with the company’s AS9100 certified standards, thus upholding the highest levels of quality assurance.
ACS History
Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS), formerly known as Blackhawk Composites Inc. (BCI), has a strong foundation since its establishment in October 2009. Originally focused on providing composite parts for the general aviation market, BCI quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality.
As customer demands evolved, BCI expanded its offerings to cater to the Aerospace and Defense industries. In 2022, BCI underwent a significant transformation, rebranding as Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS) and establishing itself as an independent entity.
Today, ACS produces a diverse range of over a dozen select products, helping companies design, manufacture, and certify more than 50 products. Our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities have positioned us as a trusted partner in the aerospace and defense sectors. At ACS, our focus is on innovation, integrity, and exceeding customer expectations. Join us as we revolutionize the world of aerospace composites.
Community involvement
ACS is deeply involved in its local and regional community. Through networking with local high schools and technical colleges, the company works to develop local talent and provide them with entry level positions in aerospace. ACS invests in its employees, providing internships, on-the-job training, and career development that both builds a strong, skilled team and provides opportunities for those entering the industry to remain in their communities with good paying jobs. An active member of the Morgantown Chamber of Commerce, ACS works to develop formal programs that train local talent and attract new talent to the region.
Join our team
We value quality, people, and long-term relationships with customers and employees.