Philadelphia-based distributor PEI-Genesis is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a distributor focused not merely on commodity parts but custom-engineered solutions supporting military, aerospace, industrial, medical, transportation and energy customers worldwide.
PEI-Genesis’ headquarters in northeast Philadelphia. Source: PEI-Genesis. The distributor was formed in June 1946 by two electronics buffs, Murray Fisher and Bernie Bernbaum, who during the Great Depression went door- to-door repairing home radios—for just a dollar each.
“My dad, Murray, and my godfather, Bernie, lived as next-door neighbors for almost 60 years,” said Steven Fisher, Chairman and CEO of PEI-Genesis. “They had a knack for satisfying their customers and a clear vision for electronics innovation that has guided us to this day. I am so proud to celebrate our 70th year in business and continue that family tradition and vision with our cherished employees.”
PEI-Genesis has seen a number of significant changes in its history. In 1952, PEI-Genesis became a franchised value-add ITT Cannon distributor. In the 1990s, the company began manufacturing Standard-K® and Sure-Seal® connectors and created the Field Applications Engineering Group to provide customers needed technical support. In 2000, PEI-Genesis became a franchised value-add Amphenol distributor and started production in the United Kingdom.
Five years ago, PEI-Genesis made the move to online shopping with the introduction of MyPEI. Last year, the company opened its first Asia-based production facility in Zhuhai, China. This past April, the company acquired FilConn Inc., adding the capability to manufacture custom, quick-turn interconnect solutions.
PEI-Genesis currently employs a workforce of 700 people in a dozen countries. Besides its Philadelphia headquarters, the company has 17 global sales offices and five production facilities.
The company has grown into markets such as commercial air, oil and gas, industrial, and rail and mass transit. More than 70% of all products sold are assembled to order. In addition, PEI-Genesis’ Engineered Solutions Group designs and builds custom interconnect solutions and cable assemblies, engaging with customers early in the design process and partnering through delivery and optimization.
