From Resilience to Global Triumph: How Novel Aero Inc. Soared to SBA 2026 Exporter of the Year

A professional headshot portrait for an American manufacturer

When the 2020 pandemic grounded the global aerospace industry, it set the stage for an extraordinary story of American manufacturing resilience. For Novel Aero Inc., a specialized producer of precision-engineered seals and gaskets, this unprecedented challenge became the ultimate catalyst for growth. Led by visionary CEO Yoganandan “Yogi” Tharanibalan, the company made a definitive choice: protect their workforce, double down on innovation, and prepare to lead the eventual industry recovery.

Novel Aero’s path to the future was strengthened by a vital partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Utilizing two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, the company secured the stability needed to protect its workforce and reimagine its operations. Instead of pausing, Tharanibalan leaned into his expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen (continuous improvement). The team refined internal processes, supercharged their competitive edge, and laid the groundwork to capture international markets allowing for accelerating growth and strategic expansion launch. 

Novel Aero launched an ambitious expansion and within four months they achieved a major milestone by acquiring Corru-Seals, Inc., a move that solidified their cutting-edge manufacturing hub in Wallingford, Connecticut, and drastically increased production capacity.

Today, Novel Aero is operating at its highest peak yet. Under Tharanibalan’s leadership, the company has achieved spectacular milestones, and the world has taken notice. Novel Aero now proudly exports its precision components to the world’s premier aerospace giants.

With exports now driving an impressive 12% of total sales, Novel Aero stands as a shining beacon for small manufacturers everywhere. They have proven that with visionary leadership, dedicated teams, and the right strategic support, American businesses can truly thrive on the world stage.

Novel Aero Inc. was officially named the SBA 2026 Exporter of the Year. It is the ultimate celebration of a journey that began with navigating a crisis and evolved into leading an international triumph.

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.