Molex Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary

Molex says it is celebrating its proud history and looking forward to a successful future.
July 8, 2013
3 min read

"Throw me that cable with the Molex three pin connectors," the audio engineer said on my first day as his helper. That was in 1970, and I was learning to set up a soundstage. The connectors might not have been made by Molex, but they certainly were called that. Molex has become an icon of connectivity, and they released, on July 1, a notice that they are celebrating their 75th birthday:

Ā 3-pin Molex Ā Mic Connector

LISLE, IL –July 1, 2013 – AsĀ Molex IncorporatedĀ (NASDAQ: MOLX and MOLXA),Ā begins its new fiscal year today, the company proudly celebrates itsĀ 75thĀ year in business serving customers in the global electronics industry. ProvidingĀ innovative interconnect solutions to the world’s leadingĀ manufacturers, theĀ company’s primary marketsĀ includeĀ data communications,Ā telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive,Ā aerospace andĀ defense, medical and lighting. Molex sells more than 100,000 different productsĀ andĀ ranks among the top three connector companies inĀ the world based on annual revenue.

ā€œMolex has built a legacy of innovation whileĀ growing from a small, local enterprise in Chicago’s western suburbs to one ofĀ the largest connectorĀ companies in the world,ā€ states Martin P. Slark, viceĀ chairman and CEO, Molex.Ā Ā ā€œThis milestoneĀ gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we’veĀ been, as we look forward to aĀ promising and powerful future.ā€

Established in 1938, Molex earnedĀ an industry reputation for developing unique interconnect solutions for challengingĀ design problems.Ā Ā ExamplesĀ include:Ā simple PCB connectors and stamped circuitry, as well as nylon plugs andĀ receptacles for color TVs.Ā Ā MolexĀ also introduced ever-smallerĀ connectors and modular interconnects—the microĀ products of their day—and continues to be a leader in the miniaturization ofĀ electronic components.

Ā MolexĀ opened its first factoryĀ outside the U.S. in Japan in 1970.Ā Ā The company has since opened manufacturingĀ operations in many other overseasĀ locations, including Mexico, Ireland, HongĀ Kong, Singapore, India and China.Ā Ā InĀ 1972, Molex went public launching a period of rapid growth as theĀ companyĀ expanded into global markets to provide design, customer service andĀ manufacturing capabilities closer to its increasingly diverse customerĀ base.Ā Ā On its 60thĀ anniversary, Molex sales had reached over $1.6 billion in annual revenue—aĀ figure that has since more than doubled.

ā€œInvesting in the development of innovativeĀ products has always been an important part of our strategy and that will notĀ change,ā€ adds Slark.Ā Ā ā€œMolexĀ continuesĀ to invest in design innovation, organic growth and strategic acquisitions to bringĀ greater value to our shareholders and customers.ā€

Ā From flowerpots in 1938 to high-speed HDMIĀ connectors today, product innovation remains a cornerstone of the brand.Ā Ā MolexĀ continues to investĀ fiveĀ percent or more of annual net revenue in R&D, which ranks itĀ among the highest levels of R&D investment in the electronics industry.Ā Ā In FY12,Ā MolexĀ releasedĀ more thanĀ 200 new products, received 319 patents and sold 60Ā billion connectors.

Ā ā€œFor 75 years, Molex has been proud to work withĀ electronics industry leaders to develop new interconnection technologies that helpĀ change the wayĀ people live, work and play. With the increasing role electronicsĀ play in the lives of people all over the world, we know Molex will continue toĀ provide theĀ innovative solutions the industry requires,ā€ continues Slark.Ā Ā ā€œAs we celebrate this milestone year,Ā we want to thank our global employees, customers,Ā partners and the manyĀ communities that have supported Molex around the world. Without them, none ofĀ our success would have been possible.ā€

Please visitĀ www.molex.com.Ā To receive information on Molex products, pleaseĀ sign up for our e-nouncement newsletter atĀ www.molex.com/link/register/.Ā Ā To download the MolexĀ App, please visitĀ http://www.molex.com/app.

About the Author

Walt Boyes

Walt Boyes

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