Zenith Laboratories Inc history

These two men were joined by Commander Eugene F. McDonald, Jr., in 1921.

McDonald was counterbalanced by Hugh Robertson, who joined the company as treasurer in 1923.

In 1924 Zenith introduced the world's first portable radio.

1926: Company introduces the first AC-powered radio.

Net sales of $8.5 million in 1936 resulted in net income of $1.2 million.

By 1941 Zenith had risen to second place in a $600 million industry, behind only RCA.

The company introduced its first line of black-and-white television receivers in 1948.

1956: Zenith invents the first wireless remote control.

1961: Company's first line of color TVs is introduced; Zenith's FM stereo broadcasting system is approved by the FCC as the national standard.

In 1970, the company received awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in recognition of its years of technological achievements.

It also acquired a one-third interest in a Venezuelan television company in 1974 and significantly increased its United States product distributors.

In 1977, Zenith sold most of its domestic hearing aid instrumentation operation.

In 1979, Zenith acquired the Heath Company, a longtime maker of do-it-yourself electronic kits.

1980: Zenith Data Systems is created as a computer subsidiary.

The first Zenith computer, the Z-100, was introduced in 1981; 35,000 Z-100s were shipped that first year.

1982: Company suffers a net loss of $24 million and fails to pay a dividend for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Also in 1984, the electronics industry adopted a Zenith-developed system as the standard for MTS stereo TV broadcast and reception.

In 1986 Zenith introduced more new products than at any time in its history, especially in the home entertainment and computer improvement areas.

Starting in 1992, Zenith attempted to improve operating results through a series of reengineering efforts initiated by the firm's president and chief operating officer, Albin F. Moschner.

In 1993, however, the government wanted to speed up the adoption process by having all seven company finalists cooperate on developing a digital HDTV system, forming the Grand Alliance.

Zenith's performance did improve in 1994, but not enough to put it back in the black.

Moschner resigned abruptly in July 1996 and was replaced by Peter S. Willmott, first as interim CEO and president and then on a permanent basis.

During 1997, Zenith shipped its first DVD player, which actually had been manufactured by Toshiba.

In late 1998 Zenith closed its only remaining United States factory, the Melrose Park picture tube plant.