Kaman history

The first Kaman helicopter, the K-125, lifted off the ground on January 15, 1947.

1948: Kaman introduces the K-190 helicopter.

In 1951, for instance, he designed the world's first gas-turbine powered helicopter.

Kaman's UH-2 met the requirements and was introduced into service in 1963.

In 1964, after Kaman Corporation had lost an important defense contract, the company's board began seeking ways to diversify away from government work.

When Kaman played the first prototype instrument for a group of friends and co-workers to an enthusiastic response, one commented that it deserved an "ovation." The word stuck in his mind, and in 1966 Kaman Corp. formed a new company called Ovation Instruments, Inc. to market the guitar.

1968: Kaman Sciences is formed.

In 1974, Kaman's son, C. William Kaman II, started his career making guitars at Kaman Music Corp.

In 1977, the company introduced another new product, the graphite-faced Adamas acoustic guitar, which also drew acclaim from musicians.

Importantly, Kaman reopened its helicopter production line in 1981.

Sales topped $380 million in 1983, about $6.4 million of which was net income.

In 1986, Kaman Music was reorganized into two divisions.

Purchase of Hamer Guitars in 1988

By 1989, that division accounted for roughly half of Kaman Corp.'s revenues.

In 1990, Fieldco launched an initiative to begin matching 100 teams (owner and dog) annually by the turn of the century.

In 1991, the company began making "roundback" mandolins and mandocellos, and the following year saw Kaman Music acquire Trace Elliot, a British guitar amplifier manufacturer with sales of approximately $5 million.

1992: British amplifier maker Trace Elliot is purchased.

As defense dollars ebbed, Kaman adjusted to the new environment by restructuring and cutting its work force to about 5,300 employees by 1993.

1997: Trace Elliot is sold.

In December 1998, the company announced that it would begin searching for a new CEO. Kaman continued to serve as CEO while the search was conducted.

In July 1999, the company announced that Paul Kuhn would become Kaman Corporation's new CEO. Kuhn had served previously as senior vice-president of operations for the aerospace engine businesses of Coltec Industries.

In February 2000, the first Adamas signature guitar was introduced, a twelve-string Melissa Etheridge model that retailed for $2,300.

In March 2001, the company announced that its founder and leader for more than half a century would not be seeking reelection to its board of directors.

In the fall of 2002, Kaman acquired ownership of Latin Percussion, Inc. of Garfield, New Jersey.

2003: Speaker cabinet/amp maker Genz Benz Enclosures is acquired.

In the summer of 2004, Kaman opened a new 156,000-square-foot distribution center in Portland, Tennessee.