Commitment to Community

By Esterline Power Systems, featuring LEACH ® Products

In space and on earth, Esterline Power Systems is the world’s leading manufacturer of LEACH ® electromechanical and solid state switch gear for aircraft, defense, space, and rail applications. From modest beginnings as a one-product company in 1919, LEACH ® products have become the standard for the design and manufacture of electrical switches, aircraft relays, electrical relays and control devices for aerospace and rail markets.

At the helm of Esterline’s Buena Park operation is Dr. John H. Danley, Jr. who serves as President of the North America Operations for Esterline Power Systems. Danley joined the company in 2010 as Chief Operating Officer after a long history in the automotive industry and experience working within aerospace and defense. In 2011, Danley was promoted to the position of President where he applies his breadth of educational experience including a Bachelor of Arts in political science,and a Master’s of Science degree in business management. In 2014, he received his Doctorate of Education, with emphasis on organizational leadership, from Argosy University in Los Angeles.

When asked why he chose to focus on organizational leadership, he commented, “I wanted to create more of a value for this organization to succeed in leadership, not just industry wide but also with our employees.” A Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, Danley strives to better himself and help his employees focus not on their weaknesses but on honing in their strengths. “I have a wonderful team; I think it’s the best team in all of Esterline. We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without them,” said Danley.

A global company with 13,000 employees, Esterline operates several facilities in Southern California, including the strategic location in Buena Park -- “Center of The Southland.” The Buena Park operation occupies approximately 10 acres including 115,000 square feet of manufacturing and administrative facilities. Esterline currently employs 473 people in Buena Park, with the capacity to expand to 500 employees at this facility.

Esterline is consistently looking to streamline operations with a focus on maintaining the best customer service and intimacy throughout their sales and product development processes. In addition, the company utilizes a proprietary system known as the Esterline Operating System, which engages employees at all levels of the organization in reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable facility.

Esterline Power Systems was honored in 2016 by the North Orange County Chamber (NOCC) as the Philanthropic Business of The Year, recognizing the company’s commitment to community. Known as a prominent community partner and an advocate for a better Buena Park, Danley and his team have spent countless hours working with the Buena Park Elementary School District mentoring students and serving on advisory committees. Each year, Esterline demonstrates its continued support of local education by donating slightly used laptops for the students in the Buena Park School District.

The philosophy held at Esterline is that corporations should embed themselves as the heart of the city providing support at any and all levels that they can.

Esterline recently connected with NOCC to understand better opportunities that might be available to them to grow their business and expand operations locally. As Esterline and other companies experience a rapid shift to more highly advanced electrical products, one of the visions being implemented by Danley is the establishment of a state of the art technology lab to support new product innovations for commercial and military applications. A lab of this type would not only promote better customer service and products, it could create new jobs and attract other companies to the region.

Dr. John H. Danley Jr., President of North America Operations for Esterline Power Systems

The NOCC has been working alongside the Esterline team to educate and connect them with resources including local workforce development boards which help with on-the-job training, the California Governor’s Office on Business and Economic Development, and a variety of tax incentives and programs to encourage expansion.

In recent years, many companies from around the state have moved to other locations with greater incentives and lower tax rates. “Esterline has no intention of leaving Buena Park nor the state of California,” shared Danley. “Our people love Buena Park. It’s a wonderful community. People love to work here and we plan to stay.”

Esterline leaders also know they must continue to find ways to connect with incentives and opportunities for growth. Companies such as Esterline place real importance in actively communicating with representatives at all levels of government, from working with local city councils, to members of the state legislature, to federal representatives. Danley has leveraged Esterline’s membership in NOCC and is working with a variety of chamber staff members to explore mutually beneficial opportunities to keep the region healthy for business and community life.

Esterline serves as not only a model in the aerospace and defense industry, but also for the business community at large. By advocating for their interests, giving back to the community and developing strong relationships with local officials, they continue to positively build and improve Buena Park and the greater north Orange County region.

“I WANTED TO CREATE MORE OF A VALUE FOR THIS ORGANIZATION TO SUCCEED IN LEADERSHIP, NOT JUST INDUSTRY WIDE BUT ALSO WITH OUR EMPLOYEES.”