History

Illinois Capacitor traces its roots to the very early years of the electronics industry. As technology has changed, IC has responded with high-quality components designed for today’s advanced circuitry. Today, the company continues to specialize in providing cost-effective, state-of-the-art capacitors to original equipment manufacturers and service organizations. With manufacturing and distribution worldwide, IC is able to maintain strong partnerships with new and old customers.

1934 Company founded as Illinois Condenser Company by Joseph and Jerome Kurland
1935 Opened first factory in Chicago, Illinois
1937 Charter exhibitor at “May Parts Show” (now Electronic Distribution Show)
1938 Charter advertiser in newly launched electronics trade journals
1942 Illinois Condenser becomes a major supplier of capacitors for the war effort
1948 Etched Foil technology developed by Illinois Condenser and Alcoa
1949 Opened expanded plant on Throop Street in Chicago
1950 Illinois Condenser assists Asian manufacturers with post war consultation
1950 Received patent on dry electrolytic condensers
1952 Introduced first subminiature electrolytic capacitor line, based on Etched Foil technology
1957 Received patent on hermetically sealed terminal structure and manufacturing method
1961 Received patent on method for manufacturing a miniature capacitor
1961 Received patent on multi-terminal miniature capacitor; method for manufacturing
1963 Received patent on miniature electrolytic capacitor; method for manufacturing
1962 Received patent on high temperature miniature electrolytic condenser
1966 Company commits to 100% testing of all capacitors
1969 Company reorganized as Illinois Capacitor, Inc.
1975 Opened new corporate headquarters and warehouse in Morton Grove, IL
1981 Opened new corporate headquarters and warehouse in Lincolnwood, IL
1980 Introduced 125°C electrolytic capacitors
1991 Illinois Capacitor introduces first power film product with direct-mount lugs
1994 Website introduced with fully searchable product database
1995 Expanded power film product line launch with 32-page catalog
1997 Surface mount products introduced
2002 Company sold in a management buyout
2003 ISO Certification
2003 Organic Semiconductor Electrolytic Capacitor lines introduced
2004 RoHS plan initiated
2005 Illinois Capacitor HK Ltd. Established
2005 State-of-the-art, fully searchable website with separate private distributor area
2005 Product lines becomes RoHS compliant
2006 Polymer capacitors introduced