Andrew International Services Corporation history

1949-69: Microwave Antennas, HELIAX, and International Expansion

Coaxial cable, including HELIAX and RADIAX slotted coaxial cable, continued to make up the bulk of the company’s business into the 21st century. Its HELIAX continuous, semi-flexible coaxial cable came on the market in 1953 and became an important part of company growth.

Meantime, net sales exceeded $2 million in 1954.

Sales in 1980 reached $89 million, with two-thirds coming from domestic markets.

Floyd English, who became president of Andrew in 1982, had worried for years that the company was too narrowly focused.

Floyd L. English, who became president and CEO of Andrew in 1983, had worried for years that the company was too narrowly focused.

But sales declined abruptly in 1985 when fiber optics began to supersede microwave technology in some areas.

Andrew bought two companies involved in computer linking technology, Scott Communications, Inc. and Local Data, Inc., in 1987.

“Andrew Corporation Investors Brief,” Wall Street Transcript, September 12, 1988.

In 1991 DRAGON FIX radio transmission interceptors manufactured by Andrew were used in the Persian Gulf War, but the government division still did not turn a profit.

By 1992, Andrew had completely recovered from the decline in its United States microwave telecommunications business.

In December 1995 the company purchased 51 percent interests in two Brazilian firms, Mapra Industria e Comercio Ltda. and Gerbo Telecommunicacoes e Servicos Ltda., that manufactured and distributed antennas, waveguides, and towers as well as providing installation services.

1997: Major restructuring includes disposal of network products business.

In March 1999 the company announced its second major restructuring in less than two years.