2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Telamco. While reflecting on 50 years of history we decided to share 50 facts about Telamco. There may be a few things that surprise you.

50 Telamco Facts

1. Telamco was founded in 1968 by Phil Telander.
2. Business started by making laminates for a single company that became mouth guards for football and hockey players.
3. How Telamco started guided some of the work that came towards the company and they’ve done lots of piece work, putting together products used in the dental industry.
4. Telamco is an acronym for Telander Laminating Company.
5. The first business location started in the basement of the Archer House, formerly The Stuart Hotel, in Northfield, MN.
6. Phil hired his first employees in the early 1970s.
7. Phil liked to hire family members, both his family members and family members of employees.
8. The business moved often to various rented locations until the first location was built in 1987.
9. In 2001 Telamco moved to the building that they reside in today.
10. Over the years the company was in the cities of Northfield, Dundas and Lonsdale in Minnesota.
11. The current main product manufactured is membrane switches.
12. A strong work ethic, excellent service and quality products has been the business vision since the start.
13. Telamco membrane switches are designed using HeatSeal® technology which produces true hermetic seal.
14. Serving industries from medical, food service, agriculture, consumer electronics, fire departments and many in between.
15. Every single product manufactured by Telamco is 100% quality tested.
16. Telamco is currently located in Lonsdale, MN.
17. We offer consultation services to help you during your design process.
18. In 2015, Telamco officially became certified as a Woman Owned Small Business through the National Women Business Owners Corporation.
19. A 4-step project approach with each customer request is at the core of the Telamco process.
20. We used to make a powder that cleaned dentures.
21. The Telamco Engineering team can often reverse engineer out of production products such as keypads.
22. They can manufacture more than membrane switches such as: design/engineering support, cable assembly, laser and die cutting, plastic lamination, general assembly and soldering.
23. Past staff members recall enjoying listening to music in the shop as they worked including the song “Layla” by Eric Clapton.
24. Member of Enterprise Minnesota organization.
25. A few unique manufactured products include: weed barrier mats, chemical barrel labels, cable assemblies for speed and traffic counters, control switches for fire fighters.

26. 

    Telamco is proud to be a part of Minnesota’s largest industry, manufacturing.

27. 2013 marked a year of sadness and transition. Their founder, Phil passed away after a battle with Leukemia. Tracy proudly stepped in to run the business.
28. The dedicated employees of Telamco are imperative to the success and transition of the business, many having over 20 years of employment at the company.
29. The most recent website went live in February 2017.
30. You’ll also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
31. We love to help customers from the beginning of their design process – let us be your partner!
32. Tracy, Telamco President, likes to buy pizza lunches or host BBQ parties for staff.
33. Prior to Telamco, Tracy taught in preschool education, then helped start and manage Northfield Montessori for 20 years.
34. Several employees are soldering certified, IPC Specialists.
35. Telamco is a member of the Lonsdale, MN Chamber of Commerce.
36. There are currently nine Telamco employees.
37. Current employees provide 92 years of Telamco experience. Two long-term employees retired in 2017, otherwise the total would have been 144 years!
38. We offer scheduled product releases to allow you the best cost savings and inventory management.
39. Telamco supports community including Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Family, Special Olympics, local t-ball teams and more.
40. Telamco membrane switches are manufactured in the USA right in Lonsdale, MN.
41. There are two current employees, Amy and Randy, that enjoy riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles.
42. Supporting manufacturing education and related STEM programs is important to us.
43. Member of Specialty Graphic Imaging Association.
44. Darrin, a Telamco Engineer, is a coach in his free time. He coaches sports for his three boys!
45. There are multiple options when selecting what kind of circuit is needed in a membrane switch – screened silver, flexible copper and PCB (printed circuit boards) are options.
46. If you’re interested in Telamco history just ask Amy – she’s worked at Telamco for over 20 years and was Phil’s right-hand help and is now Tracy’s right hand!
47. Telamco enjoys long-term customer relationships. We’ve been making parts for some of our customers for over 20 years.
48. Tracy’s a very involved Owner/President. It’s as easy for her to be at her desk corresponding with customers or vendors as it is to be assisting with a rush job in the production area.
49. The company is best positioned to serve low and mid-volume users with custom membrane switches.
50. Teamwork is extremely important. Employees help each other out when needed. The company culture involves helping wherever they can.

50 years of great memories. We’re looking forward to the next 50. Thank you to our employees and customers. We wouldn’t be what we are today without you.

How can we help you? Contact Telamco Today!