The traditional gift for a second anniversary is cotton. The interwoven fibers represent the importance of flexibility and adapting together. It’s a fitting symbol for a business like Molex that will celebrate two years of operating as a Koch company this year.
For more than 75 years, Molex has specialized in developing interconnection technologies for the electronics industry to help evolve the way that people live, work and play. The company offers more than 100,000 products that provide functionality in smart phones, automobiles, medical equipment, lighting, as well as many other consumer and industrial applications.
When Koch Industries announced its $7.2 billion acquisition of Molex on September 9, 2013, it was the second largest investment in Koch’s history. At the time, Dave Robertson, president and COO of Koch Industries, said that the investment “represents a new platform for growth and innovation for us.” Since then, the companies have rapidly worked in tandem to create even more opportunities.
In 2014, Molex acquired additional businesses with the support of Koch. First was Westec s.r.l., manufacturer of more than 6,000 products related to heavy-duty industrial connectors. Two months later brought the addition of high-performance custom cabling provider Flamar Cavi Elettrici. Barely past its first anniversary as a Koch company, Molex was selected to manage California-based telecommunication technology business Oplink Communications, Inc., newly purchased by another Koch company to expand fiber-optic capabilities.
More changes kicked off a new year as Molex and some of its affiliates announced the acquisition of SDP Telecom in the first week of 2015. The investment added design and manufacturing expertise for wireless communication.
In March, Molex earned its first John Deere supplier innovation award, based on creativity, feasibility, collaboration and bottom-line impact. The recognition was in response to the business designing and developing ultrasonic welded cable technology with enhanced reliability and durability.
The company then acquired two more businesses before the end of May, Soligie Inc. and ProTek Medical Ltd. Soligie delivers an expanded range of printed and flexible electronics for sensors and wearable technologies as part of the Internet of Things revolution. ProTek Medical designs and manufactures custom injection-molded plastics and assembly solutions for medical device and pharma tech OEM customers.
As Molex reaches its two-year anniversary with Koch, there are no signs of resting on previous accomplishments. In October, the company will help sponsor the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of a multi-year commitment. It’s another fitting symbol for a business that continues to endure long term.
The company’s legacy of innovation spans more than seven decades. Explore it now!