Manufacturer Introduction: C&K Components Manufacturer

C&K Inc is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance switch solutions for OEMs worldwide. The company which is part of the Littelfuse, Inc has been producing these top-end electromechanics switching solutions since 1928.

C&K switches are known for their unique designs, a feature that has a direct impact on their performance.  This is in addition to the high levels of reliability that these switches tend to exhibit. All these desirable features are attributed to the levels of professionalism that is in the company. It hosts the best engineers in this field who have adequate knowledge and expertise. They are fully capable of producing the best products that are needed.

C&K provides more than 55,000 standard products that are used in the world of electronics. This is in addition to the fact that the company stocks more than 8.5 switch combinations which are used by other companies that are in the business of designing, manufacturing, and distributing various types of electronic solutions.

Notable products from C&K include pushbutton switches, tactile switches, snap-acting, toggle switches, rocker switches, detect, switch lock, slide, smart card readers, thumbwheel, DIP, high-rel connectors, navigation rotary, and many others. Additionally, the company offers custom switch solutions for clients. In case you have a unique application that needs more than a standard switch, you should consider getting customized switches.

 With a broad range of products on its portfolio, C&K serves different industries including automotive, IoT, telecommunication, consumer electronics, wearables, medical devices, and industrial, among others. They are also used by hobbyists who are working on their DIY projects.

History of C&K Switches

The company’s history dates back to 1957 when two friends; Charles A. Coolidge, Jr, and Marshall Kincaid collaborated and established C&K Components Inc. Initially the company specialized in manufacturing magnetic core memory modules.

 Going to the 1960s, C&K ventured into manufacturing miniature switches for electronic devices such as computers. This marked the beginning of C&K Switches as the company has never looked back since then. Quality products and excellent customer service are key attributes that kept C&K stable during those early days.

 Going to the 1990s, C&K Switches was already on the global scene. It was among the world’s leading manufacturers of electromechanical switches. The company’s products were used by trusted brands in different applications.

 The tremendous success of C&K Switches courted the attention of other players in the field of electronics. In 2000, C&K became part of the ITT industry in an acquisition that was worth $118  million. However, it still retained the C&K  name identity. While still operating under ITT Industries, C&K acquired  Comax Industrial which was a Chinese firm. This acquisition was aimed at expanding the brand’s global presence and influence.

From this brief history, it is clear that C&K has come a long way to where it is today. Currently, the brand operates under the Littelfuse Inc.

 Committed to quality and reliability

C&K Switches is a reputable company that is known for producing high-quality and reliable electromechanical switches and their accessories. For all the years that the brand has been in the business, it has always been showing total commitment towards producing the best products.

It uses approved materials to manufacture the switches. This goes all the way to the design and production processes.  Backed by the best engineers and high-tech manufacturing equipment,  C&K Switches has the full capability to produce quality products.

 The fact that the brand has set up several service centers worldwide means that customers are guaranteed to get premium-grade customer services and support. Other than serving as distribution hubs, the centers provide technical help to customers.

Corporate and social responsibility

C&K Switches also adheres to high levels of corporate and social responsibility. The company is built on a solid culture that supports those within and outside the business. It provides a healthy working environment that encourages high levels of productivity.

C&K is fully committed to sustainability.  All the products and processes in the company are geared towards conserving the environment.

Littelfuse acquires C&K Switches

 In 2022, Littelfuse announced that it was in the process of completing the acquisition of C&K switches. Littelfuse is an industrial technology manufacturing firm that specializes in providing sustainable and safe solutions in a connected world. 

By acquiring C&K switches, Littelfuse was aiming at making an entry into the world of electromechanical switches and other interconnected products. The company was to use the already-existing platform that had been set by C&K to expand its presence worldwide. Since the products from C&K are already popular worldwide, it would be easier for Littelfuse to expand its growth and take over the market.

 At the time of acquisition, C&K had annual sales exceeding over $200 million. This means that the brand was already an established name in the business of electromechanical switches.

 On the other hand, Littelfuse is equally an established brand in the field of electronics and technology as a whole. The brand boasts of having physical offices in more than 15 countries worldwide, and more than 17,000 global associates. With more than 100,000 customers, the market was ready, it was just a matter of growth and expansion to the next level.

Conclusion

 When it comes to electromechanical switches, there is no doubt that C&K is quite a name to reckon with. The company dominates the industry by providing a wide range of switching solutions that are suitable for different application areas. The company has managed to retain the same values even after it was acquired by Littlefuse Inc. This means that most products that were previously under C&K are now sold under Littelfuse.

The company has done a pretty good job in distributing its switches worldwide. It has distribution and customer support centers in different countries worldwide. It has also worked with other independent suppliers in the electronic industries to ensure that its products reach far and wide. ICRFQ is one such distributor. 

 Being a global electronic component supplier, we are authorized to distribute electromechanical switches and other products from C&K  Switches. We are the company that you should consider working with in case you are looking for quality and original switches from the manufacturer. Simply contact us and we will be glad to deliver.