Agere Global LLC began as a subsidiary of Lucent Technologies in 2000, focusing on integrated circuit components. In 2002, Agere spun off as an independent company (headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania) and was acquired by LSI Logic Corporation in 2006. The deal merged the two semiconductor companies in an all-stock transaction worth $4 billion.
Learn MoreFounded in 1902, 3M Company is an international conglomerate with highly persified products and services. The company began as a mineral mine for grinding wheel abrasives but expanded rapidly after a series of innovations. Some of 3M’s early milestones include: the world’s first waterproof sandpaper in the 1920s, the invention of masking tape in 1925, Scotchlite™ Reflective Sheeting for highways in the 1940s, Scotch-Brite™ cleaning sponges in the 1950s, Neil Armstrong’s Fluorel™ synthetic rubber boots used to walk on the moon in 1969, and the invention of Post-it® Notes in 1980, to name just a few.
Learn MoreIn 1999, Agilent Technologies was incorporated as an independent spin off from the Hewlett-Packard Company’s test and measurement pisions. Agilent’s initial public offering, the largest ever at the time, raised $2.1 billion. The company specialized in test and measurement components, chemical analysis and medical businesses, and computing and imaging.
Learn MoreAerovox Inc. was founded in 1922 as Radiola Wireless Corporation manufacturing radios. Its current incarnation as Aerovox Inc. dates back to 1938 during which time it began selling capacitors - the product for which it is currently known. Currently headquartered in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the company specializes in producing electrostatic (film and paper) and aluminum electrolytic capacitors primarily for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industrial, medical, and specialty industries.
Learn MoreACR Electronics, Inc. was founded in 1956 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company specializes in manufacturing electronics assembly for emergency and rescue applications including: emergency distress beacons [EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons), ELTs (emergency locator transmitters), and PLBs (personal locator beacons)], distress strobe lights, maritime searchlights, other survival products, GMDSS- (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) and SOLAS- (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) approved products, and much more. In 1999, the company was purchased by Cobham plc and in 2012, ARC merged with ARTEX, another life-saving and emergency equipment manufacturer.
Learn MoreZodiac Aerospace (Euronext: ZC) is a world leader in the production and development of on-board systems and cabin interiors. Their products are used for commercial, regional and business aircraft, as well as helicopters and space applications.This French company’s history dates back to 1896 as a leading balloon airship manufacturer that, in 1909, manufactured the world’s first sporting and tourist balloons. Zodiac’s experience in airplanes can be traced back to 1911 when they contributed to the war effort by constructing airplanes.
Learn MoreEven before the war in Iraq, spearheaded by the US military, began in 2003, Dassault Aviation was feeling the impact of decreased sales in the military jet business. Dassault Aviation, which is France’s only manufacturer of military warplanes, lost several orders to large US-based companies in the past decade. Such orders include a $4.4 billion, 40-jet order in South Korea in Spring of 2003, which was won by US aerospace giant Boeing.
Learn MoreGeneral Dynamics, an American aerospace and defense company, is one of the largest defense contractors in the world. In 2012, they were ranked as the world’s 5th largest defense contractor, and have now earned the 4th spot in recent years. General Dynamic’s total arms sales are valued at $24 billion, with $2.6 billion in total profit. Their core military programs include the Abrams M1 Main Battle Tank, which is the standard tank of the US military. In addition, they support ships, munitions, and military-grade communication systems.
Learn MoreSince the company’s creation in 1925, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has become a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of military and commercial helicopters; fixed-wing aircraft; spare parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul services for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft; and civil helicopter operations. Although they handle commercial aircrafts, Sikorsky’s forte is production for the military. What do all five branches of the United States armed forces have in common?
Learn MoreRecently, Northrop Grumman extended its track record of large government contracts with an $89.7 million contract option to continue its support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system, which is for overseas contingency missions. BACN, a high-altitude, airborne communications gateway, connects warfighters both in the air and on the ground through the use of voice communications, video, and imagery. The system relays battlefield information to sources that help improve situational awareness and help coordinate with all assets. To date, the Air Force has deployed 4 BACN E-11A system and 3 BACN EQ-4B systems in the Iraqi War.
Learn MoreAs technology continues to advance, the way the world communicates, travels, and lives are constantly changing. Panasonic Avionics Corporation looks towards bringing these three things together while keeping up with current technology through In Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) solutions. IFEC plays a big part in the aviation industry and can cost anywhere from $2 million to $5 million for a plane to be equipped with LCD monitors and an IFEC system.
Learn MoreIBM first appeared as Computing Tabulating Recording Company in 1911. Through the merger of three separate business entities in 1924, International Business Machines was formed. In 2012 IBM was ranked the 9th largest U.S. firm in terms of profitability. IBM was ranked in the top 20 of multiple categories which include the number of employees, revenue, green company and most admired company by Forbes, Fortune and Baron’s. Worldwide IBM operates 12 research laboratories.
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