Wilco Wire was founded in 1976. The name Wilco is a contraction of the founders name, Judy Wilson. Wilco also means "will comply" in pilot speak. This seemed a good omen for the start of a new company.
Wilco Wire started as a manufacture's representative for the high temperature cable manufacturer, Teledyne Thermatics. During their first year in business, Wilco sold a new type of cable to G.E. Nuclear in San Jose. Sales of this cable totaled over $1 million. Judy Wilson was the first and only female representative for Teledyne Thermatics. The association with Teledyne Thermatics lasted over ten years. During this time, Wilco Wire began to offer value added services to an expanding customer base computer and telephone industries. Services offered including the cable connectorizaton, patch panel assembly and wiring, wire wrap and small box builds.
In 1993 Wilco Wire achieved ISO 9002 certification. They were the first firm to receive certification in the field of manufacturing cable assemblies in the Bay Area. This feat opened many doors to new and larger accounts. Sales doubled, going from $3.5 million to $7 million in one year. In 1995 Molding and Fiber Optics were added to the growing list of products the firm offered.
The reasons for the firms growth revolve around two philosophies. One, "Empowering" the employees. Total quality management began with all employees participating in "TQM" training. The company instituted a "TQM" bonus plan for all employees to share equally. The goal is to ship product 100% on time to all customers and have 100% customer acceptance of product. When these goals are met, each employee receives a percentage of the profits for the month. The other major factor is the belief in a true partnership with their customers. Wilco knows it takes more than selling to satisfy the customer and make it a win-win relationship.
The firm produces cable and harness assemblies, Fiber Optics, Molded cables, pneumatic tubing harnesses, wire wrap assemblies, and electro-mechanical chassis assemblies. Most of the firms customers have been doing business with Wilco Wire for many years.
In 1996 the firm changed the name from Wilco Wire and Cable, to Wilco Wire Technology, Inc. to reflect their broader expertise. Wilco Wire has been in the greater San Jose Area over thirty years. In 1996 they moved to Fremont, tripling their size. For the last ten years the firm has been named one of the largest woman owned companies in Silicon Valley. The founder Judy Wilson, was also named a finalist in the San Jose Business Journal for Entrepreneur of the Year.