Started in the Spirit of Service and Innovation
As leaders in the EMC industry since 1954, we at Elite take pride in the capabilities of our chambers and equipment, as well as, pride in our staff’s depth of knowledge and dedication to our customers. If accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are things that you look for in EMC and Environmental Stress Testing and Certification, think Elite. Each day, we make quotes, test products, certify devices, write reports, give free coffee even–all with that same commitment to excellence and customer service that Elite founded nearly 70 years ago.
In many ways, Elite Electronic Engineering began aboard a United States Air Force bomber. Flying out of Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, the bomber is equipped for the first time with a new, aerial camera. That camera could produce consistent photographic intelligence by adjusting automatically to the plane’s altitude and speed. As soon as the camera turned on and began to function, its electronics began to interfere with the bomber’s autopilot programming. In no time, the camera was turned off and the bomber was back on the ground. An urgent call was placed to the manufacturer’s new young engineer in Chicago, James C. Klouda—Elite’s founder. With a little sleuthing—and a little shielding— Mr. Klouda made the necessary adjustments to the firm’s prototype model to reduce interference, and the next flight test went off without a hitch.
Elite’s founder went to work expanding his knowledge—and understanding the application—of EMC testing technology. About five years later, James Klouda approached the military about creating an engineering firm with a testing focus on EMC. Those in the defense industry who knew of his talents encouraged him to do so.
Our Values
The original values that Elite is founded on still hold true today:
- Continual investment in new technology and training
- Focus on providing the highest value of service to the customer
- High standards of integrity and hard work
Those principles have helped Elite become a leader in the industry—and have helped the company grow consistently. In 1954, Elite had two employees and operated out of a 2,500 square foot storefront in south Chicago. By 1973, the company had 20 employees and occupied 22,000 square feet. Today, with over 80 employees, and more than 70,000 square feet, Elite offers unmatched capability and equipment.
Our Vision
The company is substantially larger, the technology is much more advanced and the customer base is greatly diversified, but one thing has not changed in nearly 70 years: James Klouda’s vision and values reflect our every day in the way Elite conducts its business–and treats its customers.
