Building An Ideal World™
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We see our business in generations not quarters. This fuels an entrepreneurial culture that creates industry-leading, category-changing products and services.
Creating Powerful Connections
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Those in the electrical trade know that something as small as a wire connector can make a huge difference in getting the job done right.
SEE HOW WE CHAMPION THE ELECTRICAL TRADE
The IDEAL Culture
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We have been family-owned for more than one hundred years. This gives us the unique ability to focus on long-term innovation and ideas.
See how our culture drives us
One of Popular Mechanics' "Best New Tools"
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What happens when American ingenuity meets American steel?
Find out
Changing the Game in Lighting Control
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From Wrigley Field to SFO, Audacy® is making it easier to make spaces shine with the right amount light, at the right time, with just the right amount of energy. So the people inside can shine as well.
See how
Critical Industries Count on Us
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Global industries — and the tradesmen that serve them — rely on the forward-thinking tools and technologies developed by IDEAL companies.
Construction
Our Casella company is a leading innovator of dust, sound and vibration monitors,... Read More
Electrical
IDEAL Electrical offers electricians start-to-finish excellence. From our industry-defining... read more
Automotive
We purchased and re-invigorated the SK Hand Tool company in 2010, dedicating it... read more
Alternative Energy
Our AC/DC conversion connectors have become a global standard in the alternative... read more
Building Management
Wires and outlets will never hold us back again. Audacy® Advanced... read more
THE IDEAL CULTURE
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THE IDEAL LEGACY
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OUR HISTORY
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Select a year to explore our company’s rich, storied history.
From the Beginning
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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.
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Introducing Wire Connectors
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IDEAL INDUSTRIES introduced its first wire connectors, which would go on to become a cornerstone of the IDEAL INDUSTRIES product line.
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Commander Byrd Requests Ideal
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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.
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IDEAL BECOMES A CORPORATION
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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.
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IDEAL Goes to the Moon
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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.
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Creating the Family Council
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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.
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Expanding across the globe
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IDEAL INDUSTRIES expanded to Asia and South America with new offices in Shanghai, China in 2002 followed by São Paulo, Brazil in 2003.
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IDEAL ACQUIRES SK HAND TOOL
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IDEAL INDUSTRIES made its line of American-made hand tools even more comprehensive with its acquisition of SK Hand Tool, a legendary manufacturer of mechanic tools. SK was the third addition of the decade for the IDEAL hand tool platform.
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PRESERVING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
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After a long run as the IDEAL Chairman, Dave Juday retired, handing over leadership responsibilities to IDEAL’s current Chairman and CEO, Jim James.
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