ADEC history

The area’s first sheltered workshop was organized in 1958.

By 1964, Austin had perfected a more efficient air-powered system than the industry standard and A-dec was founded.

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.

Always a leader among organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ADEC opened the first licensed group home in the State of Indiana in 1974.

In 1976, a group of interested educators and clinicians organized the Forum for Death Education and Counseling.

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.

1981: The company forms Air Lock, a new division.

In 1983, it added a Dental Furniture division as well as DecTron equipment division.

1984: A-dec Australia begins operations.

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.

ADEC has completed over fifty research and service development projects since 1989.

By 1990, sales were estimated at $75 million.

The company expanded its product line to include modestly priced chairs for sale in foreign markets in 1996, the same year it won the American Dental Association's Distinguished Service Award.

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

1998: A-Dec Dental U.K. moves into new headquarters.

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.

ADEC formed a new division serving family and children in 2002.

The Gaining Grounds Center, built in late 2018, is a coffee shop and gathering center designed to showcase the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while fostering further relationships and inclusion.