GARDEN GROVE, CA ― January 2016 ― OK International today announced its 70-year anniversary. The company traces its roots back to 1946 when it was founded as OK Machine and Tool Corporation, specializing in precision machining of metal parts primarily for the defense industry.
“We would like to thank our customers for the success that OK International has achieved over the past 70 years,” said Christopher Larocca, President of OK International. “This milestone is a testament to OK International’s commitment to continued innovation and technology development. We look forward to delivering industry-leading products to the market for many more years to come.”
By the 1970’s, OK’s focus had evolved to the manufacturing and distribution of wire wrapping products, used in the production and installation of telephone switching systems. Using telecommunications as a base, OK extended the marketing and distribution of this adhesion or attachment process to other electronics markets. Then, in 1989, OK International made a strategic decision to refocus on developing, manufacturing, and marketing its own proprietary products, primarily in the circuit board solder/desolder business.
In alignment with that strategy, OK acquired Metcal and Techcon Systems in 1996. These acquisitions, along with becoming part of Dover Corporation in November 2000, served to strengthen the OK’s core competencies in the manufacturing and development of soldering systems as well as dispensing and fume filtration products. This also helped in the expansion of its customer base, markets, and geographic presence. Additionally, these acquisitions provided OK International with patented technologies and products that broadened its product line.
