About Us

Three generations of experience. In-house engineering, design, project management and specialty craftsman skills. Turnkey, concept-to-completion capabilities. The ability to design and create any prototype, mock-up or other element, in any material and to any degree of fidelity. Our ability to work within the tightest of lead times. These are the qualities that make Penwal unique.

Penwal was founded in 1981 by a family with decades of experience making models, prototypes and mock-ups, mainly for aerospace. Penwal made a very quick impact on the market, rapidly becoming aerospace manufacturer’s “ace in the hole” for displays, models, corporate lobbies and trade shows. Soon, our capabilities expanded. We quickly became known for producing the highest quality aerospace replicas and refurbishments in the marketplace, and we have over 300 pieces in the Smithsonian and other top museums today. It was this heritage that led the US Space and Rocket Center to ask Penwal to produce a full scale, 360’ replica of the Saturn V Rocket – a feat that Penwal pulled off in less than 16 weeks, from placement of order to the completed installation. We also called upon this experience very recently to build a 1:3 Scale Airbus A380 for Emirates Airways.

Starting in the 1980s, Penwal also began to partner with various aerospace and weapons manufacturers to produce prototypes and mock-ups for engineering (form, fit and function) studies. Unlike flimsier or lower fidelity, “rapid” prototypes, Penwal’s creations are hand and CNC crafted using durable materials, can be made to high fidelity, and can be anywhere on the scale from fully kinetic to static. Penwal has been instrumental in helping these companies ensure the proper structural design and performance of these products. Our prototyping and engineering skills are currently being utilized in the development of various components for the James Webb Space Telescope.

We also stand out from standard "prototype" shops by our proven, 28-year track record of doing the heavy lifting in engineering, design and project management, to provide creative solutions to our customers. Some of our longest lasting relationships have come from customers who turned to Penwal when they couldn't build something themselves, or were told by others that their idea was impossible to make. We can build your product with any process, in any design and in any material, in order to comply with your specific project requirements.

Contact Us to learn how we can help you on your next project.

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