Amphenol

Amphenol Corporation

Company type	Public
Industry	Electronics manufacturing, Fiber optic connectors, Interconnection solutions
Founded	1932 in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Founder	Arthur J. Schmitt
Headquarters	Wallingford , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Electronic and fiber optic connectors, cables, interconnection solutions, coaxial cables

Amphenol Corporation is a U.S.-based producer specializing in electronic and fiber optic connectors, cables, and interconnection solutions, including coaxial cables. The company’s name originates from its initial designation, American Phenolic Corp.

History

Established in Chicago in 1932 by businessman Arthur J. Schmitt, Amphenol initially manufactured tube sockets for radio tubes. The firm experienced significant growth during World War II by supplying connectors extensively used in military equipment such as aircraft and radios. Between 1967 and 1982, it operated as part of Bunker Ramo Corporation.

Amphenol caters to a wide range of sectors including military-aerospace, industrial, automotive, information technology, mobile communications, wireless infrastructure, broadband services, healthcare, and professional audio markets. Its operations span over 60 locations worldwide.

The company’s headquarters are located in Wallingford, Connecticut. Its largest division, Amphenol Aerospace (previously Bendix Corporation), is based in Sidney, New York—the original site where the MIL-DTL-38999 cylindrical connector was developed. Additionally, Amphenol is credited with creating the popular BNC connector ("Bayonet Neill-Concelman").

Founded in 1993, Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSI) focuses on fiber optic connectivity solutions for communication networks. AFSI employs more than 250 personnel at its 94,000-square-foot facility near Dallas, Texas.

Another significant division is Amphenol Cables on Demand, established in 2006. It offers an e-commerce platform distributing over 2,500 standard cable assemblies with offices situated in New York, California, Florida, Toronto, and China.

Acquisitions

In 1986, Amphenol expanded by acquiring Socapex, a French manufacturer of connectors serving industries such as Defense, Aviation, Railways, Energy, Entertainment, and Space.

In May 2005, the company purchased SV Microwave, known for RF connectors and cable assemblies. Later that year, it acquired Teradyne Connection Systems for approximately $390 million to broaden its portfolio in high-density electronic connectors and system packaging.

During 2008 and 2009, Amphenol further enhanced its antenna offerings through acquisitions of French electronics firm SEFEE and Jaybeam Wireless (now operating as Amphenol Antenna Solutions).

On November 15, 2013, Amphenol agreed to purchase GE's Advanced Sensors Business for around $318 million to bolster its sensor technology capabilities. Following this, in December 2013, it acquired Tecvox OEM Solutions LLC—an automotive USB connectivity specialist founded by Raj Khanijow.

On January 8, 2016, Amphenol completed the acquisition of FCI Asia Pte Ltd., which focuses on telecom and wireless interconnect products. In July of the same year, it acquired AUXELFTG (AUXEL), a French manufacturer specializing in power busbars and interconnect systems.

In January 2017, Amphenol added Phitek Ltd., a New Zealand-based company known for aircraft cabin noise-cancellation and audio enhancement technologies. By June 2017, it further expanded its Industrial Sensing division through the acquisition of Wilcoxon Research (US), Piezo Technologies (US), and Piher Sensors and Controls (Spain) from Meggitt PLC.

In January 2020, the company acquired Exa Thermometrics India Pvt Ltd., which specializes in NTC thermistor sensing solutions. Later that year in December 2020, Amphenol announced a $1.7 billion acquisition of MTS Systems Corporation; this transaction was finalized in April 2021.

In December 2021, Amphenol purchased Halo Technology Limited for approximately $715 million. More recently in May 2024, it completed a $2 billion acquisition of Carlisle Interconnect Technology.

In July 2024, Amphenol disclosed a $2.1 billion acquisition deal for CommScope’s Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) divisions. This transaction reinstated the ANDREW® brand within Amphenol’s portfolio.