US defence giant Heico has acquired the North East operations of historic steel business William Cook in an undisclosed deal, marking a significant development for the region's manufacturing sector.
New joint venture formed
The acquisition has led to the creation of Heico-Cook Defence, a new company that encompasses Cook Defence Systems, William Cook Stanhope and William Cook Intermodal. The joint venture is 80% owned by Heico and 20% by William Cook Holdings.
Cook Defence Systems, which has played a key role in providing replacement tracks for Ukraine's tank fleet, along with its sister companies, will continue to operate from their purpose-built factory in Stanhope, County Durham. The facility employs approximately 130 people.
Business as usual
Both firms have confirmed that contracts with employees, customers and suppliers remain unaffected by the transaction. Meanwhile, William Cook Rail, William Cook Cast Products and their subsidiaries and associates remain wholly owned by William Cook Holdings, which reported turnover of £100m for the year to June 28, 2025.
Cook Defence Systems also manufactures blast-proof components for armoured vehicles. It was created in its current form in 1994 by Sir Andrew Cook, who has helped it become a long-standing supplier to national ministries of defence.
Leadership comments
Sir Andrew Cook said: “We are proud to have built Cook Defence Systems into a trusted partner to governments, armies and armoured vehicle manufacturers worldwide. In Heico, we have found a long-term partner that values our independence, supports our growth ambitions, and shares our commitment to engineering excellence, quality, and service. We are confident about the future of Cook Defence Systems under the joint ownership of Heico and William Cook Holdings.”
Hollywood-based Heico manufactures parts for large commercial and military aircraft, as well as industrial turbines, targeting systems, missiles and electro-optical devices. It reported net sales of more than $4.4bn (£3.2bn) in the year to the end of October 2025.
Eric Mendelson, Heico’s co-chairman and co-chief executive officer, said: “Cook Defence Systems represents a distinctive addition to Heico, with many of the attractive attributes we look for in our businesses. The company has established strong relationships across leading defence OEMs and government customers across multiple critical armoured vehicle platforms. Cook’s proprietary technology, consistent aftermarket demand, and exposure to increasing global defence spending position it well for continued growth and long-term value creation. We are pleased to welcome William Cook and his team to the Heico family.”
Recent achievements
Last year, Cook Defence Systems hosted the Minister for Armed Forces Luke Pollard as the firm celebrated a three-year contract to supply spare tracks for all of the Army's in-service armoured fighting vehicles. The firm is also supplying tracks for the Army's Challenger 3 tanks and Ajax vehicles.
Sir Andrew Cook CBE remains chairman of William Cook Holdings and William Cook, and Chris Seymour continues as a director.
