Permaswage®, a global leader in aerospace swaging technology, is experiencing a critical period of transformation. While the company continues to push innovation in fluid fitting systems for aerospace applications, it has also taken major steps to address workplace compliance and reinforce its role as both a cutting-edge manufacturer and responsible employer.
⚖️ A Compliance Shift: Permaswage® Settles Federal Case
In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that Permaswage® (also known as Designed Metal Connections) had reached a settlement agreement following an investigation by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The case uncovered gender-based pay disparities and a failure to provide accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities at the company’s Gardena, California facility.
Under the terms of the settlement, Permaswage® agreed to:
Pay $122,000 in back wages and interest to affected job applicants and employees.
Revise its compensation structure to eliminate inequities.
Provide manager training on equal opportunity and compliance.
Conduct annual pay-equity audits to proactively identify pay gaps.
“Federal contractors have a responsibility to ensure that their employment practices do not discriminate and provide equal employment opportunities,” the DOL stated in its official release【source†dol.gov】.
The resolution marks a new era of transparency and internal equity for Permaswage®, as the company aligns its internal policies with industry-leading practices.
✈️ Permaswage® Remains at the Forefront of Aerospace Innovation Even amid regulatory challenges, Permaswage® continues to prove its dominance in aerospace manufacturing. The company specializes in permanent, high-performance swaging systems that eliminate the need for welding or threading. Its axial and radial swaging technologies are engineered for:
Leak-free fluid transfer
Corrosion resistance
High-pressure aerospace environments
In July 2024, industry distributor Orkal spotlighted Permaswage® for its state-of-the-art capabilities, including:
Lightweight, precision-engineered fittings
Advanced material performance
Seamless integration with rigid and flexible tubing assemblies【source†orkal.com】.
These systems are trusted across commercial aircraft, defense programs, and space-bound technologies—supporting mission-critical fluid conveyance.
🌍 A Global Footprint with Powerhouse Backing
Founded in 1974, Permaswage® operates major production facilities in:
Gardena, California (USA)
Les Clayes-sous-Bois (France)
Suzhou, China
In 2013, the company was acquired by Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) for $600 million, becoming part of Berkshire Hathaway’s industrial portfolio. This move expanded PCC’s reach in the high-performance fastener and fluid fitting space, placing Permaswage® at the heart of next-generation aerospace systems【source†inddist.com】.
With an estimated $72.8 million in annual revenue and a workforce of 200 to 680 employees, Permaswage® operates at the intersection of legacy and innovation【source†compworth.com】.
🔍 Looking Ahead: Cultural Accountability Meets Engineering Excellence
The 2023–2024 period represents a turning point for Permaswage®. On one hand, the company is committing to measurable improvements in workplace equity. On the other, it continues to lead the charge in advanced aerospace technology—developing tools and fittings for ultra-reliable, weight-sensitive, and space-constrained applications.
From the urban air mobility boom to future low-Earth orbit spacecraft, Permaswage® is poised to deliver swaging solutions that redefine strength, efficiency, and adaptability.
✅ Final Thoughts
Permaswage® is proving that innovation and accountability can go hand in hand. By resolving regulatory issues while maintaining its technical edge, the company sets a powerful example in the aerospace supply chain. As the demand for precision fluid systems increases, Permaswage® remains one of the industry’s most trusted and forward-thinking partners.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Permaswage®, Precision Castparts Corp., Berkshire Hathaway, or any of their subsidiaries. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information in this post is based on publicly available sources, including government announcements and industry news, and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Readers should conduct their own research or consult with relevant professionals before making business or compliance decisions