Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout 2022 with activities highlighting the company’s history and plans for the future.
Beginning in 1947 as a start-up selling war surplus tubes and growing into a global manufacturer of patented ultracapacitor modules for replacing lead-acid batteries in wind turbines, the Company has come a long way over the years. The company was started by Arthur H. Richardson in May of 1947, in a red barn in Wayne, Il. Edward J. Richardson, son of the founder, took over as president and CEO in 1974, and became Chairman of the Board when the company went public in 1983—positions he still holds today. Florence Richardson, Ed’s mother and company matriarch, worked in the company until she was 95. Despite its humble beginnings, Richardson Electronics has grown into an international organization with 60+ locations worldwide, supporting more than 20,000 customers, and employing hundreds of people around the world in a family-oriented environment.
Today Richardson Electronics has three business units including the Power & Microwave Technologies Group, Richardson Healthcare and Canvys. Each business capitalizes on strong engineering expertise to help customers solve unique challenges. The company is investing in green power management solutions to protect the environment and in healthcare solutions that help reduce the cost of medical services. Through Canvys, its display division, the company provides custom interactive displays to many of the most sophisticated medical and industrial companies throughout the world. The company has its headquarters in a 250,000 square foot building in LaFox, Il., and partners with other companies to manufacture more than 60 percent of the products it sells.
“I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished throughout the company’s 75-year history. It takes a great team of employees and partners to get us where we are today. From our legacy products to new engineered solutions, we’ve learned from and evolved with the needs of our global customers,” said Richardson. “As we look to the next 75 years, we are committed to developing innovative solutions to meet our customers' unique challenges.”
As part of its celebration, Richardson Electronics released a documentary-style video this month and a book on its colorful 75-year history will be available in the summer. On October 24, 2022, Richardson will honor the company’s listing on the NASDAQ stock market since 1986 by ringing the closing bell. The company is also providing its employees additional time off for community service work. Richardson Electronics is dedicated to investing in its diverse employee base and innovative technologies including its focus on green power management solutions for another 75 years.