Molex acquires AirBorn

AirBorn is bringing an expansive product portfolio and proven aerospace and defence solutions to Molex, which is known for its deep electronics industry knowledge, value-added engineering expertise and worldwide manufacturing footprint.

“Molex is excited to complete this important acquisition, which enables us to expand into the aerospace and defense market while extending our capabilities across space exploration and other key sectors,” commented Joe Nelligan, CEO, Molex. “As we begin to integrate AirBorn’s people, products and processes within Molex, we will focus on supporting the needs of our customers, distributors and partners through collaboration and strategic investment in innovation and technology, shaping the future of the aerospace and defense category.”

AirBorn’s portfolio of military-grade connectors, cables and electronic assemblies will form the foundation of Molex’s new aerospace and defence division. AirBorn’s CEO, Michael Cole, will lead this new division while working closely with Molex’s integration team and global leadership team to align priorities, empower employees and create recurring customer value.

“The combination of Molex’s organisational scale and financial stability with AirBorn’s purpose-built products and unmatched customer experiences will enable us to solve the most complex rugged connectivity challenges,” said Michael Cole. “Together we can reinforce our role as trusted advisors serving the unique requirements of aerospace and defense customers and accelerate investments in the business that will drive growth and competitive advantage.”

The combined organisation will total more than 50,000 employees and 85 plants located in 20 countries. The collective product portfolio will benefit from Molex’s robust global distribution network, which plays a pivotal role in driving regional and global demand generation, sales and inventory support.

As a highly valued distribution partner for both Molex and AirBorn, TTI anticipates tremendous potential emerging from this unique blend of capabilities, expertise, products and global operations.

“We applaud Molex’s acquisition of AirBorn, which offers new business opportunities for the combined AirBorn and Molex entity and their valued distribution partners,” said Lew LaFornara, SVP, Product and Supplier Marketing, TTI. “AirBorn’s solid reputation in aerospace and defence, coupled with Molex’s long-standing distinction as a provider of innovative, high-quality products in a diverse set of market segments is a powerful combination.”

Both Molex and AirBorn have long track records of product engineering and design capabilities focused on optimising size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements, which are crucial in supporting aerospace and defence applications.

Furthermore, as an interconnect technology innovator across automotive, generative AI, hyperscale data center and mobile device applications, Molex brings electronic and fiber optic capabilities that will enhance signal integrity, reduce electromagnetic interference and enable greater product data rates.