Our History
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JANUARY 1916
FROM THE BEGINNING
J. Walter Becker started the IDEAL Commutator Dresser Company of Chicago from his mother's kitchen with the belief that every product should be worth more than its price. Service, he said, is part of the product.
Our History
Select a year to explore our company’s rich, storied history.
MARCH 1929
INTRODUCING WIRE CONNECTORS
IDEAL INDUSTRIES introduced its first wire connectors, which would go on to become a cornerstone of the IDEAL INDUSTRIES product line. These connectors were some of the first products IDEAL ever produced for the electrical industry and they represented significant advances in safety, reliability and ease of installation.
Our History
Select a year to explore our company’s rich, storied history.
JANUARY 1933
COMMANDER BYRD REQUESTS IDEAL
Knowing IDEAL’s reputation for quality and durability in the world’s harshest environments, Commander Richard Byrd, an American aviator and arctic explorer, requested IDEAL INDUSTRIES fuse pullers for his expedition to the South Pole.
Our History
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JANUARY 1946
IDEAL BECOMES A CORPORATION
IDEAL INDUSTRIES became a corporation. This event ensured that IDEAL would continue to carry on after J. Walter Becker concluded his ownership and management of IDEAL. It was a legacy intended to be left for the Family and community of Sycamore.
Our History
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JULY 1969
IDEAL GOES TO MOON
IDEAL INDUSTRIES contributed components used in the lunar landing module and made the journey to the moon. IDEAL wire strippers were specifically requested for the mission because of their reputation for quality and precision, even in the most extreme environments.
Our History
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JANUARY 1992
CREATING THE FAMILY COUNCIL
IDEAL established the Family Council as a key governing force for handling management and leadership succession decisions within the company. The council has always operated on a consensus basis, with all decisions being made for the well-being of IDEAL’s employees, customers, the surrounding community and the overall good of the company. Since its inception, the council has brought an energized focus on stewardship and responsibility to IDEAL that lives on to this day.
Our History
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SEPTEMBER 2002
EXPANDING ACROSS THE GLOBE
IDEAL INDUSTRIES expanded to Asia and South America with new offices in Shanghai, China in 2002 followed by São Paulo, Brazil in 2003.
Our History
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JANUARY 2008
CREATING THE LOYOLA FAMILY BUSINESS INSTITUTE
In an effort to better serve family businesses and the community, IDEAL established the Loyola Family Business Stewardship Institute at Loyola University in Chicago to educate and support businesses looking to embrace long-term systems of family management.
Our History
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FEBURARY 2020
THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP
Meghan Juday, 4th Generation Family Leader takes over as Chairman of the Board after Jim James retirement. Juday stressed that IDEAL INDUSTRIES will remain family owned. “We’re built for long-term success. We see things in generations not just quarters.” She explained the company will continue to invest in training and development, innovation and in acquisition.
Our History
Select a year to explore our company’s rich, storied history.
JANUARY 2020
IDEAL ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
After a successful tenure as CEO, Jim James retired and handed the reins to Steve Henn in January. Henn joins IDEAL from Illinois Tool Works where he was Group President, Industrial Equipment & Plastics, the largest Platform within the $2.0B Specialty Products Segment.
