History
Our History
American Phenolic Corporation was founded in 1932 by Arthur J. Schmitt, an engineer, inventor and entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois.
Over the decades, the Amphenol Corporation has evolved, experiencing tremendous growth. Today the organisation has facilities in almost 40 countries. In 1963, Amphenol LTD was established on the shores of Great Britain, originally set up in Burgess Hill, before moving to our current home in Whitstable, Kent. Today, we stay ahead of the curve through product diversification and anticipating the needs of the exciting sectors in which we work.
Our story in detail
1932
The initial spark
Amphenol founder, Arthur J. Schmitt, discovered that insulating plastic was the key to producing a higher-quality radio tube socket. The American Phenolics (later Amphenol) Corporation was born.
1940s
Broadening to broadcasting
The Amphenol “75 series Uniform Microphone Connector” and “Lock-In Socket” are released, revolutionising and simplifying the manufacturing of radios and setting a new industry standard for broadcast hardware.
Wartime era
Making a name for itself
The “5015 AN” becomes known in military maintenance crews as “the Amphenol connector".
Post-war
Setting the standard
With telephone networks rapidly expanding, Amphenol Corporation welcomes the input of the Bell Labs and Western Electric engineers. Together, they produced the Amphenol blue ribbon cable, which quickly became the Bell Systems standard.
1957
Formed in Great Britain
Amphenol Great Britain Ltd Was formed in May 1957, occupying an office in London with parts manufacturing facilities at A.B. Metals Ltd in Abercynon, Wales.
1958
Burgess Hill move
The company moved to a factory at Burgess Hill in Sussex.
1963
Growth upon growth
Eventually, Amphenol LTD outgrew Burgess Hill. And because expansion was impractical, a new site was established in Whitstable, Kent.
1977
Factory expansions
Amphenol LTD expanded once again, acquiring an additional factory next door, which became a new plant extension.
1982
Soaring to new heights
Amphenol LTD released the Data Bus MIL-STD-1553B, a pivotal product for military aircraft. This interconnect quickly set a new standard for all data bus systems in military aircraft and is still being used in the Eurofighter Typhoon today.
1985
Joining forces
Amphenol LTD inherits Spectra-Strip®.
1987
Welcome to Whitstable
Amphenol LTD moves its entire manufacturing and design operations to Whitstable. The factory is still home to us today – an exciting hub of innovation and culture, employing hundreds of people in the local area and beyond.
1991
Furthering our reach
Amphenol LTD acquires Pyle.
2002
Breaking new ground
Amphenol Corporation’s evolution reaches an exciting new era, serving eight primary markets: Automotive, broadband, industrial, IT and data communications, medical, military aerospace, mobile devices and mobile networks.
2016
Martec acquisition
Furthering our reach: Amphenol LTD acquires Martec.
2018
Say hello to Stingray
Amphenol LTD launches the Stingray product, a magnetic, 360º, blind-mating connector that has revolutionised soldier-worn tech, allowing personnel to easily connect to and disconnect from field systems.
2019
Cablescan acquisition
Furthering our reach: Amphenol LTD acquires Cablescan.
2020
Pandemic investment
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Martec joins Amphenol LTD in our world-class Whitstable facility. We continue to invest in the future by taking all measures possible in protecting our staff and securing future growth.
2023
60 years of success
Amphenol LTD celebrates its diamond anniversary while launching several new products. One of which is Raptor, a range of connectors engineered specifically for high voltage, high current systems in e-flight, E-VTOL and hybrid flight.
Future
Looking ahead
Our rich history is testament to the strong connections that we’ve built as a team. From the beginnings of Amphenol LTD to the more recent acquisitions of Pyle, Martec and Cablescan, we look to the future with a clear vision — an organisation where innovation, culture and our zero defects policy are at the forefront of everything we do.
About
With a rich heritage in interconnect innovation, we remain loyal to our roots and are a proud part of Amphenol Corporation.
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