RF antenna maker Andrew Corp. has decided to sell the equipment and other assets of its broadcast products division to Electronics Research (ERI). No financial details are available, although the deal is expected to close next month once the due diligence process is complete.
Initially ERI will lease Andrew's Orland Park, Ill. manufacturing facility while it moves machinery and employees to ERI's main manufacturing plant in Chandler, Ind. Andrew's Gray, Maine facility, which makes RF filters and combiners, will also become part of ERI’s assets going forward.
In addition to its successful IBOX digital radio transmission systems, ERI offers a line of television broadcast antennas, such as its EL Series UHF, Broadband UHF panel and VHF antennas products. The company has been in business since 1943 and currently employs about 200 people.
Greta Browne, a spokesperson at Andrew, said that while the broadcast division was solvent, it was not performing as well as the company would have liked. She said that with ERI the broadcast products would have a chance to flourish.
Andrew will retain its HELIAX air cable-manufacturing business (and the HELIAX trademark) and serve as the main supplier of air cable to ERI. All other Andrew Corp. businesses, such as its satellite communications division, will not be affected by the proposed sale.
ERI said it would continue customer support and honor warranties for existing Andrew Corp. customers.
For more information visit www.eriinc.com.