CTS Corp is one of the most long-standing manufacturers of switches, sensors and components in the United States, with a global presence that has evolved over the course of 120 years. The company serves key markets across the globe in a wide range of industries including industrial, defence, medical, aerospace and many more. History CTS started out in 1896 as Chicago Telephone Supply Corp. Founded by father and son AJ and GA Briggs, they were among the pioneers of the early telecommunications era, supplying telephones from a small facility in downtown Chicago. By focusing on the rural supply market, the business found a niche that others had largely neglected. Within a few short years, CTS had a workforce over one hundred strong and had moved to a larger manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Indiana. With the dawn of the radio era in the 1920s, CTS was quick to realise how telephone components such as jacks and headphones could be adapted for this new sector. This signalled an important stage in the company’s evolution, as they shifted their focus to the manufacture of components. In the postwar years, CTS continued to embrace emerging technologies, adapting their products to the domestic television market. In the 1950s, they were among the first companies in the industry to recognise the potential of computers. 1962 saw the company floating on the New York Stock Exchange and embarking on a period of growth through acquisitions that shaped the company we see today. In 1968, it opened its first overseas facility in Taiwan, followed by global expansion over the following decades. In the UK, CTS is based in Glasgow. Today, the company still has its headquarters in Illinois and has a total of 21 sites around the world. With an annual turnover of approximately $400m, it is very different from those early days; but CTS still retains the same core values that have brought it long-term success. Products With its strategy of growth through both organic means and shrewd acquisitions, CTS is now able to offer a huge range of switches, controls, sensors, actuators and other electrical components. These are divided into the three categories of sense, connect and move, which reflect the seamless interconnectivity of technology in the 21st century, as follows: • Sense – switches, pedals sensors, transducers and controls • Connect – filters, resistors, capacitors and frequency control products • Move – actuators, valves, piezoelectric products and thermal products Continuous development CTS is a company that never stands still. After the increased international focus on vehicle emissions over recent years, it has developed a new range of RF sensors for the automotive industry that detect particulates. These measure soot and ash, using low frequency radio signals to send and receive data. In May 2017, the acquisition of Denmark-based company Noliac A/S enabled CTS to strengthen its presence in the piezoelectric market, while bolstering its authority in Europe. These are just two examples of how CTS continues to show the same pioneering spirit of those early days, more than 100 years on.
