Molex Incorporated is a 70-year-old global developer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide array of Automation, Electrical, Fiber Optic and Electronic products engineered for superior performance in demanding, harsh, or hazardous industrial environments. Based in Lisle, Illinois, USA, the company operates 59 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries spanning North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

In July, 2006, Molex finalized the purchase of Woodhead Industries and created the Automation and Electrical Products Division (AEPD). AEPD is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide array of Automation and Electrical products engineered for superior performance in demanding, harsh, or hazardous industrial environments. AEPD "Empowers the Industrial Infrastructure" with innovative products and solutions that extend from mechanical, electrical and electronics, to communications/networking devices and diagnostic software.

AEPD supports two core business areas – Automation and Electrical – each of which clearly communicates our commitment to continue to drive product innovations in today's fast-changing markets. Each business unit supports a master brand comprising a set of product competencies/categories, which include an array of targeted product offerings.

I. Automation Business - Master Brand: Brad®

• BradConnectivity™ – Connectors, cordsets and distribution boxes for sensor, actuator and bus network applications
• BradCommunications™ – Network interface cards, gateways, simulation software, and diagnostic tools
• BradControl™ – Network I/O devices for on-machine and in-cabinet applications
• BradPower™ – Modular, flexible wiring systems for machine power distribution and motor control.

Within these Brad product categories are individual product lines that include applicom®, mPm®, SST™, RJ-Lnxx®, Brad Harrison®, Mini-Change®, Micro-Change®, and Nano-Change®.

II. Electrical Business - Master Brand: Woodhead®

• Woodhead Balancers
• Woodhead Electrical Specialties
• Woodhead Lighting
• Woodhead Portable Power
• Woodhead Hose Reels
• Woodhead Wiring Devices
• Woodhead Electric Reels
• Woodhead Mobile Electrification
• Woodhead Wire Mesh Grips

Within these Woodhead product categories are individual product lines that include Aero-Motive®, Daniel Woodhead®, Watertite® and Super-Safeway®
 
The company engineered and manufactured the world's first rubber-handled handlamp, which was focused on safety in transportation application with the railroads, and the product was patented that same year. Since that time, Woodhead has continued to fulfill the needs of the global industrial marketplace with innovative electrical and connectivity products designed to withstand harsh, unforgiving environments.

In the 1960s, Woodhead Industries embarked on a global growth strategy that has formed the foundation for more than three decades of aggressive growth and significant expansion of the company's range of products and solutions. Mergers and acquisitions over the years include:

• 1969 - Brad Harrison Company - Connectors and Cordsets, I/O Blocks, Diagnostic Tools
• 1972 - Aero-Motive Company - Reels: Hose and Cord, Mobile Electrification Systems
• 1990 - Advanced Interconnect, Inc. - Custom Copper and Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies
• 1993 - H.F. Vogel GmbH – Customized electromechanical devices, connectors and cordsets
• 1993 - FOCS, Inc. – Fiber optic products
• 1998 - mPm s.r.l. – Global market leader valve connectors and cordsets, DIN 43650 connectors
• 1998 - SST - World-class Industrial Automation Interface Cards and related communications technologies.
• 2001 - Applicom – Software and Communication Interface Cards designed for SCADA automation and PC-based industrial control.
• 2006 – Woodhead Industries is acquired by Molex Incorporated, creating the Automation and Electrical Products Division (AEPD).

As a result of these acquisitions, AEPD today is a global enterprise offering a large portfolio of automation and electrical products.

AEPD serves customers in a wide variety of industries across the globe, including:

• Automotive
• Commercial Construction
• Electrical
• Food and Beverage
• Material Handling
• Military
• Mining
• Petrochemical
• Semiconductor
• Transportation
• Utilities (Water treatment, power plants, etc.)

AEPD’s products are sold throughout the world through a number of sales channels; some sales are direct, but most are through the company's direct sales force and vast network of distributors. Over the years, our strong worldwide distribution channel has become a leader that represents a strong mutual commitment to efficiently serving and supporting the needs of end-user customers around the world.