Astrex Electronics has been part of the interconnect distribution community for more than sixty years. Founded in 1961, the company is based in Plainview, New York, and specialises in supplying connectors, cables, and assemblies for markets where reliability is a key requirement. Its focus on sectors such as military, aerospace, medical, and industrial has shaped the services and certifications it has maintained over the decades.
Specialist focus in interconnect
The company’s strategy has been to concentrate on the specialised, value-added distribution of interconnect products rather than broadline distribution. By building expertise in this area, Astrex has been able to respond to technical questions from customers and support projects with requirements that extend beyond off-the-shelf components.
Astrex’s portfolio includes connectors from major manufacturers such as Amphenol, Glenair, ITT, Radiall, TE Connectivity (Deutsch), and others. It is also authorised to perform value-added assembly, enabling it to supply custom connectors in short timeframes. One of its notable advantages is a 48-hour turnaround on certain assembled connectors.
Beyond connectors, Astrex provides a range of custom solutions, including semi-rigid and flexible cables, phase-matched and phase-controlled assemblies, UL-recognised wire harnesses, and delay lines. These capabilities are supported by a set of quality standards and certifications such as ISO9001, AS9100, MIL-I-45208A, and MIL-Q-9858A, which align with the needs of customers in high-reliability markets.
Acquisition by TTI
In 2014, Astrex Electronics was acquired by TTI, an authorised distributor that specialises in interconnect, passive, and electromechanical (IP&E) components. TTI is based in Texas and is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
The acquisition was noted to be a natural fit for both companies. TTI noted Astrex’s years of focus on the military and aerospace connector marketplace, while Astrex pointed out the opportunity to enhance its customer service by joining an organisation with broader resources and technical reach. Following the acquisition, Astrex initially continued operating independently while aligning with TTI’s systems and processes.
Part of a broader acquisition strategy
The purchase of Astrex formed part of a wider pattern of acquisitions by TTI designed to expand its depth in specific product areas. For example, Mouser Electronics had joined the group in 2000, adding a strong online and catalogue presence. Sager Electronics brought expertise in power and electromechanical products. By bringing Astrex into the fold, TTI strengthened its capabilities in high-reliability connectors, adding value-added assembly to its portfolio.
This strategy has allowed TTI to broaden its services without moving away from its core identity as a specialist in IP&E components. Each acquisition has addressed a different gap, meaning the group has grown into a network of companies that retain their particular strengths while contributing to a global infrastructure.
Today’s Astrex
Astrex employs between 51 and 200 people and continues to operate from its headquarters in Plainview. Its offering combines stocked inventory with custom assembly, backed by certifications that reflect the standards required by its chosen markets.
TTI, including its subsidiaries such as Mouser Electronics, employs more than 3,500 people and operates in over 100 locations worldwide. Within this wider organisation, Astrex provides a focused capability in interconnect products for sectors where certified, high-reliability solutions are essential.
Having been a part of TTI for more than a decade, Astrex demonstrates how a specialised distributor can maintain its technical focus while contributing to the broader strengths of a global distribution group – and all the while preserving niche expertise within larger frameworks, offering continuity for customers alongside access to greater resources.
