A-dec history

The Dec-Et followed the A.V.S. in 1965; this was the first miniature delivery unit designed specifically for the new reclining chair, the first equipment break-through of sit-down dentistry.

The dedication and open house for Aux Chandelles, located on Hively Avenue where CAPS now operates, was held in 1966.

By 1969, A-dec was the world's largest manufacturer of oral evacuation equipment, commanding 53 percent of the sales market.

In 1970, the company developed the Student Unit, a completely portable unit in a case that students could carry to class and later install in a Denta-Cart.

In 1971, it began building a new plant and offices on 150 acres secured for the A-dec Technical Park.

In 1972, ADEC hosted its first Ride-A-Bike fundraiser.

By 1973, A-dec's sales were $7 million.

As the number of its catalog items increased, A-dec discontinued its domestic marketing relationship with Den-Tal-Ez in 1974 in favor of expanding its own domestic marketing team to 16 people.

In 1977, ADEC started offering a summer camp designed for children with disabilities.

In 1978, the company expanded again to occupy its fourth building in A-dec Park.

A-dec entered 1980 strong, with $32 million in sales.

Endeavoring to improve and expand services for people with visual impairments and for infants and young children in need of early intervention services, the facility at Williams Street was renovated in 1983.

1986: DecTron and Air Lock merge to form the A-dec Commercial Products Division.

DecTron and Air Lock were then merged to form the A-dec Commercial Products Division, and by 1988 this division had sales of more than $1 million.

By 1997, A-dec did business in 102 countries, earning one-third of its $100 million in revenues from export sales.

In 2001, the company purchased new software that could move from the design desk to the shop floor, in anticipation of significantly reduced production time.

In 2006, ADEC shifted the focus of its day services from education to vocation.