Mid-Continent Instrument Co. said Wednesday that it has signed a distribution and supply agreement with Waltham battery maker A123 Systems Inc. under which Mid-Continent will offer A123’s advanced Nanophosphate lithium-ion battery technology for aviation applications.

With operations in Kansas, Mid-Continent manufactures and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics, and power solutions for the general aviation industry.

In a statement, Robert Johnson, vice president of the Energy Solutions Group at A123 Systems, said, “We expect that Mid-Continent’s extensive aviation expertise and its impressive customer portfolio will enable us to capitalize on the rapidly growing market for advanced lithium-ion battery technology for emergency power supplies, starter batteries, and other aviation applications.”

A123 could use a lift. In March, the company said it would spend $55 million to fix a defect in some components it produces for car batteries, another setback to a company that recently had millions of dollars in orders canceled by one of its biggest customers.

The company’s stock, which peaked above $25 a share in 2009, closed at $1.55 Wednesday, up 1 cent.