Switchcraft

Overview

Switchcraft manufactures connectors, jacks, plugs, switches, molded cable assemblies, and patchbays for audio, video, telecommunication, computer, medical, military, appliance, transportation, and instrumentation industries. It supplies over 5,000 standard products and custom-engineered harsh environment components, marketed domestically and internationally through representatives and distributors. The company operates from a 185,000 sq ft facility in Chicago and a 35,000 sq ft Conxall facility nearby, emphasizing US-based manufacturing.¹²⁵

History

Switchcraft was established in 1946 in Chicago to manufacture jacks, plugs, and switches for the communications industry, moving to its current 185,000 sq ft headquarters at 5555 North Elston Avenue in 1958. In 1977, it was acquired by Raytheon Corporation as an independent subsidiary, expanding into harsh environment connectors during that period. Raytheon divested it in 1997 to company management and a private equity firm; Switchcraft then acquired Conxall in 1999 for circular connectors and cable assemblies. In 2011, HEICO Corporation acquired Switchcraft, integrating it into their Electronic Technologies Group.²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Switchcraft manufactures products in the United States at its 185,000 sq ft Chicago facility for electrical and electromechanical components and a nearby 35,000 sq ft Conxall facility in Villa Park, IL for custom cable assemblies. Production emphasizes vertical integration and on-site tooling for quick-turn custom harsh environment products.¹²

Notable Products

• 1/4-inch Audio Jacks - Standard jacks used in pro-audio equipment and instruments.
• EH Series Harsh Environment Connectors - Sealed circular connectors for industrial and military applications.
• Molded Cable Assemblies - Custom assemblies from Conxall for harsh environments.
• Toggle Switches - Electromechanical switches for appliances and instrumentation.
• Patchbays - Audio routing panels for broadcast and studio use.

Reputation

Switchcraft is regarded by professionals in pro-audio, broadcast, and industrial sectors as a reliable US-based supplier of durable connectors and switches with a long heritage since 1946. Enthusiasts value its consistent quality in harsh environment products and custom capabilities. It lacks BBB accreditation, though no specific complaints are noted in available profiles.¹²⁵⁶