About IDEAL Industries
A 100+ year old, family-owned company powering the world’s electrified future
Meet IDEAL Industries
IDEAL Industries is focused on improving lives by Building an IDEAL World™. We invest in companies that deliver reliable, future-ready electrification and power management solutions to customers around the world. Our success is powered by our people, who foster partnerships, strengthen communities, and focus on meaningful innovation for generations to come.
Businesses Built for the Future of Power Management
We support electrical and power management solutions across a wide range of industries and global markets. Our three core companies include Anderson Power®, Enatel®, and IDEAL Electrical™.
Anderson Power
Established in 1877, Anderson Power is a leading manufacturer of innovative, high-power connectors and cables for material handling equipment, data centers, and other industrial applications.
Anderson Power is headquartered in Sterling, Massachusetts with manufacturing and distribution hubs across the world. The company’s mission is to deliver future-ready, best-in-class power interconnects, eliminating design and sourcing complications.
Enatel
Enatel designs and manufactures advanced charging solutions for electric material handling equipment, ground support equipment, and other off-highway vehicles.
Headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, Enatel products are engineered with distribution facilities in North America and Europe. Enatel is committed to designing high-performance chargers with industry-leading efficiency.
IDEAL Electrical
IDEAL Electrical is a global leader in manufacturing electrical tools and supplies. For more than a century, electricians have counted on IDEAL® to champion the electrical trade.
IDEAL Electrical is headquartered in Sycamore, Illinois. The company’s global distribution and manufacturing hubs power the work of electricians and contractors across the world.
Living Our Values
At IDEAL Industries, we believe the way we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves. Our shared values shape how we interact with our customers, employees, and the communities in which we operate.
Integrity: We value strong morals and a commitment to doing what’s right
Kindness: We shape our culture through empathy, support, and positivity
Respect: We prioritize thoughtfulness and active listening while valuing diverse perspectives
Accountability: We own our responsibilities with honesty and self-awareness
Sustainability: We commit to environmental responsibility and continuous improvement
Why Work at IDEAL Industries?
We equip our employees to thrive personally and professionally while doing meaningful work that improves our world. Our culture is based on the principle of creating “IDEAL” relationships grounded in values like kindness and respect. As a global company, we work at a local level to provide generous benefits that support your life inside and outside of work.
- Financial support for retirement
- Parental leave
- Benefits for continuing education
- Investment in volunteer time and giving back
- Employee assistance program
IDEAL at a Glance
$1.3 Million Donated
By the IDEAL Foundation in 2025
We’re committed to Building an IDEAL World™ by supporting our local communities and building lasting relationships.
Business on Every Continent
3 Brands
Anderson Power, Enatel, and IDEAL Electrical are professionally-managed to serve distinct markets with specialized expertise.
With 700+ patents across our businesses, we innovate across the world.
~1,000
Employees
100+ Years Family-Owned
How IDEAL Industries Got Started: Our History
J. Walter Becker founded our family-owned company in 1916. We’ve spent over a century continuing to grow, building a legacy of trust, and staying committed to solving real problems for our customers. As we move forward, we’re investing in our people, innovation, and manufacturing to power the world’s electrified future.
1916-1969: Early History in Electrical Innovation
1916: IDEAL Industries is Founded
J. Walter Becker establishes the IDEAL Commutator Dresser Company of Chicago. The company would quickly transition to become IDEAL Industries.
1924: IDEAL Moves to Sycamore
IDEAL Industries relocates its headquarters from Chicago to Sycamore, Illinois, where it remains today. J. Walter Becker believed a small town offered a stronger environment to build “IDEAL” community relationships.
1929: IDEAL Electrical Patents Wire Connectors
IDEAL Electrical patents the first “thread-on” wire connector in the United States. Wire connectors remain a core product for the IDEAL Electrical business today.
1933: IDEAL Electrical Reaches Antarctica
Commander Richard Byrd specifically requests IDEAL Electrical products (fuse pullers) for his South Pole expedition in January 1933.
1946: IDEAL Becomes a Corporation
IDEAL Industries formally incorporates. The move ensured the company’s future as J. Walter Becker prepared to transition leadership to the next generation.
1960: IDEAL Electrical Trademarks Wire-Nut®
IDEAL trademarks the name “Wire-Nut” for its wire connectors. Since then, IDEAL has continued to expand its connector lineup with innovative new offerings.
1961: IDEAL Builds New Headquarters
IDEAL Industries begins construction of a new office complex in Sycamore, Illinois. Dedicated to J. Walter Becker, it remains the heart and home of the company today.
1963: IDEAL Electrical Expands to Canada
IDEAL Electrical establishes operations in Canada, bringing the electrical business closer to the Canadian communities it serves.
1969: IDEAL Electrical Supports Moon Landing
IDEAL Electrical contributes components used in the 1969 moon landing module. IDEAL wire strippers were specifically requested for their quality and precision.
1970-2017: Global Growth into New Markets
1985: IDEAL Foundation is Established
Former CEO and Board Chairman Dave Juday establishes the IDEAL Foundation. Since then, the Foundation has led the company’s philanthropic efforts to support local communities.
1990: IDEAL Acquires Buchanan
IDEAL acquires Buchanan Construction Products, a manufacturer of connectors, terminals, relays, industrial controls, and more.
1992: IDEAL Electrical Expands to Europe
IDEAL Electrical receives its first-ever retail order and expands business operations to the European market. The company constructs a new regional headquarters in the United Kingdom to introduce IDEAL products to new customers.
2001: Anderson Power Joins the IDEAL Family
IDEAL Industries acquires Anderson Power, a global manufacturer of high-power interconnects since 1877. The addition strengthens IDEAL’s portfolio of power management solutions.
2002: IDEAL Expands to Asia
IDEAL Electrical opens an office in Shanghai, China in 2002. Anderson Power also expands with a manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China and a distribution center in Hong Kong.
2004: Anderson Power Introduces SBS® Connector
Anderson Power designs the SBS50 connector to support robotics, motive power, and more. The company also opens a sales office in Asia.
2008: IDEAL Creates Family Business Institute
IDEAL establishes the Family Business Stewardship Institute at Loyola University in Chicago. The Institute aims to educate and support other family-owned businesses.
2012: IDEAL Electrical Expands to Mexico and India
IDEAL Electrical expands operations into Mexico and India, increasing access to solutions worldwide.
2016: IDEAL Electrical Constructs Prairie Building
IDEAL Electrical expands its product manufacturing capabilities with a new warehouse and office space. The Prairie facility is located next to the IDEAL Industries headquarters in Sycamore, Illinois.
2018 & Beyond: Powering the Future of Electrification
2018: IDEAL Acquires Enatel
IDEAL Industries acquires Enatel, a leader in advanced charging solutions for off-highway vehicles. Enatel’s battery chargers feature industry-leading modularity and efficiency, strengthening IDEAL’s leadership in power management.
2020: Next Generation of Leadership Begins
Meghan Juday, a fourth-generation family member, becomes Chairman of the Board. She guides the company into its next chapter of innovation and growth.
2025: IDEAL Appoints New CEO
Chris Baldwin joins IDEAL Industries as CEO. A seasoned senior executive, Chris brings leadership experience across large public corporations and family-owned companies.
2025: IDEAL Releases Responsibility Report
IDEAL Industries releases a comprehensive corporate responsibility report to highlight the company’s values, commitments, and ongoing sustainability efforts.
2026: Enatel Opens New Headquarters
To support Enatel’s growing operations, the company opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing, engineering, distribution, and office facility in Christchurch, New Zealand.
2026: #4 on Global Most Loved Workplace® List
IDEAL Industries ranks #4 on Best Practice Institute’s 2026 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list. IDEAL Industries was recertified for the third year in a row, earning top honors among the world’s most reputable and innovative companies.
2026: IDEAL Launches Refreshed Visual Identity
IDEAL Industries announces a visual identity refresh with a new logo, color palette, and more. As IDEAL grows its global portfolio of businesses, the enterprise’s new visual identity reflects its future-focused vision.
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The IDEAL Foundation
