Company

DNA Group Celebrates 25 Years

Letter from our CEO

On behalf of DNA Group’s many stakeholders let me express my deep appreciation for all those who have helped create our success and helped us achieve the milestone of our 25th anniversary. DNA’s network of stakeholders is composed of many members: employees, suppliers, partners, customers, sales representatives and shareholders. It is the stakeholders in DNA who have been responsible for both creating success and achieving success:

Customers who awarded projects to us and then rewarded us with additional work when their expectations were met or exceeded

Employees who were motivated to perform at a very high level and then believed their effort was recognized and rewarded

Suppliers and partners who believed in a success model of mutual self-interest

A management team which appreciated the seriousness of their work but weren’t necessarily too serious about themselves

Shareholders willing to accept a long-term strategy for a return on their investment, of sharing those rewards and of creating a quality workplace

DNA has been resilient and adaptable to the demands of its markets, customers and suppliers. However it has remained constant in its core values and business practices. In the coming years it’s likely, even intentional, that DNA’s vision may expand to new products, technologies and markets but it’s equally certain our signature will continue to be our performance, "It’s How We Do What We Do."

Eric Vaughn
CEO
DNA Group

1987
SEI Components Inc, the predecessor to DNA Group, was incorporated. SEI developed sources in Asia for electronic and electro-mechanical components with an emphasis on switch products and specific markets: appliances, power tools, and consumer products.

1989
Group Defond, one of SEI’s key suppliers recognized the strategic and investment value of a long-term relationship with SEI, both as a supplier and a partner. Defond North America Inc. was created by merging the interests of SEI and Defond into a 50/50 joint venture with shared equity and a single clear mission: serve the NAFTA OEM marketplace for appliances, power tools and electronics by building long-term relationships with customers.

1991
Defond North America pioneered the U.S. introduction of Group Defond’s patented ALCI shock protection devices into the personal care market. Portable and in-line GFCIs for world wide applications have since been developed by Defond for construction, DIY, pressure washers, pool and spa and vending markets.

1993
During the 1990’s Defond and DNA Group created a joint venture with SIBER Group (IT) for production and marketing of SIBER products in North America and Asia. Heating elements, bi-metal thermostats, and switches were among the products supported in these markets.

Defond North America changed its name to DNA Group, Inc to better reflect its broad range of product offerings and brand names.

During this period DNA Group expanded with sales offices in Cleveland and Chicago.

1997
DNA Group named Supplier of the Year by Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex.

1999
DNA Group named Whirlpool Small Appliance Business Unit’s Supplier of the Year.

2000
DNA Group named Whirlpool Small Appliance Business Unit’s Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row.

Defond recognized as world’s largest supplier of switches for the power tool industry.

Defond acquired European operation for production of automotive switches.

Defond acquired European producer of valves and solenoids.

Defond formed a dedicated resource group for Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) to serve growing demand for integrated electronic and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies.

DNA Group developed proprietary designs for definite purpose contactors for the HVAC market; introduced heavy-duty rocker switches for marine and transportation markets.

DNA Group acquired product lines for mechanical humidistats and appliance switches.

2001
DNA Group named Supplier of the Year by Toro Purchasing Company

Digital Switching Systems (DSS) was created to manage proprietary multiplex power distribution control solutions and HMI devices for the marine, transportation, and industrial markets.

2003
DNA Group received Top Supplier Performance Award from Whirlpool Corporation.

2005
DNA Group reorganized its operations to conduct business under three separate companies:
Defond North America, LLC
Digital Switching Systems, LLC
Sygnal Technologies, LLC

DNA Group added a company owned distribution and value-added center in Raleigh, NC to its existing third-party logistic operations in Laredo, TX and Jackson, MS.

2008
DNA Group added a sales office in Littleton (Denver), Colorado.

DNA Group and Defond restructured ownership and organization for more flexibility and responsiveness to North American market.

2009
Digital Switching Systems developed and introduced omni-BUS™ platform for open source control of power distribution centers.

DNA Resource LLC created as a separate division to focus on demand-driven sourced components.

DNA Group and Defond celebrated their 20 year partnership.

Digital Switching Systems introduced the PowerKey Pro series of addressable and configurable CAN-based keypads.

Today
DNA continues its focus of providing innovative “Integrated Solutions” to OEMs with resources provided internally and by its partner suppliers.