Andrew
Andrew Corporation was founded in 1937 by Victor J. Andrew out of his Chicago basement as an engineering consultant and manufacturer for equipment for A.M. radio broadcasters. Unaware of just how great of an impact Andrew Corporation would have, Victor (AKA “Doc”) worked hard to build his business and provide for his family in the middle of the great depression. About 50 years later the company would grow to have 215.5 million dollars worth of net sales.
Shortly after the founding of Andrew, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. was dragged into WWII. This resulted in many manufacturing facilities in the U.S. pivoting to assist in the war effort (this included Andrew!). The U.S. military contracted Andrew to produce coaxial cables and dry air pumps (which were originally for coaxial cables) but used by the Air Force to pressurize airborne radiopods.
After the war, Andrew began making microwave antennas for both civilian and military communications. During the Cold War, the military yet again began purchasing Andrew products such as: switching devices, wave guides, and high power coaxial lines that were used in military radar systems. One of Andrew’s most popular products, HELIAX, went on the market in 1953 and became a large part of its sales ever since. No matter how big the business grew, Doc made sure to stick to his original business philosophy which was to care about the people – not only the customers but the employees as well. Most former employees have attested that Andrew Corporation was a very unique place to work. Unlike other companies, Andrew genuinely cared about the people, no matter how much it grew.
Unfortunately, however, Victor passed away October 30, 1971 in his Claremont home in California. The company was taken over by his friend and business partner, Russell Cox. During the 70’s the company switched from being a supplier for the military to supplying private entities. The company went public in 1981.
After Cox retired in 1986,Floyd English became president and CEO. Ed Andrew became Chairman of the Board. English had always thought that Andrew’s markets were too narrow. As soon as the first dips in profit occurred, he began to acquire smaller businesses to expand its market. However, although sales increased, earnings did not. Andrew Corporation continued with acquisition during the 1990s and early 2000’s.
Andrew Museum / Family Foundation
After Victor’s son Edward Andrew and his wife Edith left Andrew Corporation in 1992 they established the Andrew Family Foundation. The foundations goal was to give back to Orland Park, Illinois and other local communities and to make grants and gifts to organizations around the world trying to have an impact on the present and future “Human Welfare”. The foundation is still run by their children and grandchildren.
This includes donations to The College of Wooster, Pomona College, Knox College, Lawrence University and Calvin University for numerous programs. The foundation has supported scholarship programs at Carl Sandburg and Victor J Andrew High Schools. In addition Reading in Motion of Chicago and Las Vegas, Ronald McDonald House, Spread the Word reading programs in Nevada, The Valley Youth Theater in Phoenix and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples are just a few of the benefactors supported by the Andrew Family Foundation.
During the 2020 Covid pandemic, Edward’s son, Edward (AKA “Andy”) Andrew Jr. decided to start the Andrew Museum to display the Andrew products,documents, pictures, historical papers, and merchandise he had accumulated over 15 years.
The museum now has grown to a large collection of Andrew memorabilia. It now aims to tell the story of Andrew corporation, let former employees reminisce, and even learn a bit more about the history of Andrew. Curation interns Claire Kassitas and Ella Novak have helped develop the museum into what it is today.
Gallery
Museum Photo 1
Various photos of Andrew's history.
Museum Photo 2
Various Devices and Objects of Andrew's history.
Museum Photo 3
Downscale recreation of an Andrew Antenna Site.