Our History

For over 75 years, Unison has powered the world’s leading aircraft, delivering ignition systems, sensors, advanced components, and wire harnesses that drive aerospace innovation.

• 1929
  Scintilla is purchased by Bendix Aviation and becomes Scintilla Magneto Division
  
  
• WWII
  Scintilla Magneto Division produces magnetos used on American aircraft engines like the Allison V-1710
  
  
• 1950
  Elano Corporation founded by Erv Nutter and Lee Otterson
  
  
• 1979
  TDI pioneers the first turbine power starter for industrial engines
  
  
• 1980
  Slick Electro, an established manufacturer of ignition systems for piston aircraft engines, is purchased and renamed Unison
  
  
• 1983
  Allied Corporation merges with the Bendix Corporation, and later the Signal Companies to become Allied-Signal
  
  
• 1983
  GE Aircraft Engines acquires Elano Corporation in Dayton, OH
  
  
• 1988
  Unison introduces world’s first solid state turbine ignition system
  
  
• 1989
  Unison acquires the Bendix Aircraft Ignition business from Allied Signal to become the market leader for turbine ignition systems
  
  
• 1992
  Unison develops engine dedicated alternators, capable of surviving hostile environments while delivering higher output levels
  
  
• 1993
  Unison introduces first ignition system with self-diagnostic technology and FADEC interface, enabling twin engine aircraft to achieve ETOPs
  
  
• 1994
  Unison enters the industrial market with its solid state exciter
  
  
• 1997
  Unison acquires the Engine Electrical Systems Division of BFGoodrich Aerospace
  
  
• 1999
  Unison opens its first international manufacturing facility in Saltillo, Mexico
  
  
• 2000
  Unison acquires Westport International, a leading manufacturer of switches, sensors, and bellows
  
  
• 2002
  Unison acquired by GE and made a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Engine Services
  
  
• 2004
  Elano Corporation was merged into Unison
  
  
• 2007
  GE acquires Smiths Aerospace and creates the Systems and Unison Engine Components operating group
  
  
• 2009
  Unison consolidates with Unison Engine Components (formerly Smith’s Engine Components)
  
  
• 2011
  Unison granted US patent for new T1 turbine engine inlet temperature sensor, which does not require a heater for de-icing
  
  
• 2013
  Unison selected to design the first-in-class integrated Electronic Engine Control (EEC) on the H-Series family of turboprop engines
  
  
• 2013
  Unison announces enhancements to their conformal Integrated Fin Technology™ surface coolers
  
  
• 2014
  Unison qualifies the improved Dual Direct Spark Ignition (iDDSI) for rocket launch
  
  
• 2016
  TDI becomes part of the Unison family
  
  
• 2016
  Unison announces the addition of the new oil temperature sensor for the GE90 engine to its rapidly growing portfolio of both sensors and switches
  
• 2016
  Unison invests in Saltillo site expansion
  
  
• 2017
  Unison launches new additive heat exchanger product line
  
  
• 2022
  Jacksonville wins a Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award
  
  
• 2023
  A new Unison brand emerges as part of the independent brands group of GE Aerospace
  
  
• 2025
  Intergalactic, a leader in Thermal Management Solutions, becomes part of Unison