Northern Technologies
Northern Technologies, founded in 1982 and now a division of EDAC Group, designs and manufactures EMI/RFI shielded connector covers and D-subminiature interconnect products using its patented NorTech™ compression insert system, serving data communications and electronics manufacturing customers globally through catalog distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersMarkham, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Northern Technologies does
Northern Technologies Corp., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, designs and manufactures high-performance EMI/RFI shielded and non-shielded connector covers for D-subminiature and high-density SCSI connectors, along with related interconnect accessories. The company's core technology is the patented NorTech™ compression insert system, a mechanical compression architecture that virtually eliminates EMI/RFI emissions while enabling a 'one size fits all' cable compatibility concept that reduces customer inventory and can cut cable assembly time by approximately 50%. Products exceed FCC Class A and B requirements and span cover styles (CM45 Series 45-degree exit, straight exit, CMR Series 90-degree exit), connector types (DC crimp, DE solder cup, D3 high-density), and accessories (thumbscrews, dust covers, screw sets, backshells), with applications in video, voice, data, and power interconnects for data communications and electronics manufacturing customers.
The company operates a B2B hardware sales model through a global network of authorized distributors — including Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key, Heilind Electronics, RS Americas, Encitech (Sweden), WiseLINK (Singapore), and Electro Sonic (Canada) — supplemented by regional sales representatives across the United States and Canada. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Following the August 2024 acquisition by EDAC Group of Companies, Northern Technologies now operates as a division of EDAC Inc. and EDAC (America) Ltd., with synergies from sister companies NorComp (North America/Asia Pacific) and MH Connectors (EMEA). The company offers custom hardware solutions and engineering design partnership services for OEM customers requiring specialized interconnect requirements.
Northern Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Northern Technologies
- Legal name
- Northern Technologies Corp.
- Website
- https://northerntech.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Northern Technologies, founded in 1982 and now a division of EDAC Group, designs and manufactures EMI/RFI shielded connector covers and D-subminiature interconnect products using its patented NorTech™ compression insert system, serving data communications and electronics manufacturing customers globally through catalog distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Northern Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electronic Connectors
- NAICS
- Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417)
- SIC
- Electronic Connectors (3678), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Connectors (Power/Signal/High-Speed) (HDAHAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Connectors & Interconnect Components (Industrial connectors, terminals, sockets, backplane) (IMAGAJAC)
Keywords
Where Northern Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Markham
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Northern Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Connector Covers and Accessories: Sales of standard and custom high-performance EMI/RFI shielded and non-shielded connector covers for D-subminiature and high density SCSI connectors, including metal and metalized plastic covers.
- D-Subminiature Connectors: Sales of D-subminiature connectors, SCSI connectors, V.35 connector kits, Category 3 to 5 accessories, over-mold cans, and custom hardware.
- Custom Hardware Solutions: Custom hardware including thumbscrews, machine screws, captive screws, and metal drawn cans for specialized interconnect requirements.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels3 records
Northern Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Northern Technologies designs and manufactures standard and custom high-performance EMI/RFI shielded and non-shielded connector covers for D-subminiature and high-density SCSI connectors, plus a broad line of D-subminiature, SCSI, V.35, fibre channel (GBIC), telco, and modular style connectors with associated accessory hardware. Most covers utilize the patented NorTech™ compression insert system, providing "one size fits all" cable compatibility that reduces inventory and can cut cable assembly time in half.
Product overview
Northern Technologies delivers a comprehensive portfolio of D-Subminiature interconnect products since 1982. The core offering centers on high-performance EMI/RFI shielded connector covers (metal and metalized plastic) utilizing the patented NorTech Compression Insert System. The product line encompasses multiple cover styles (CM45 Series 45-degree exit, straight exit, CMR Series 90-degree exit), connector types (DC crimp, DE solder cup, D3 high-density), and accessories (thumbscrews, dust covers, screw sets). Products are designed for the data communications industry and support D-subminiature, SCSI, V.35, fibre channel (GBIC), telco, RJ, and modular connector standards. The portfolio is distributed globally through authorized distributors including Mouser, DigiKey, RS Americas, and Heilind Electronics.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NorTech™: Patented compression insert system for EMI/RFI suppression in connector covers
Products and services
- CM45 Series Hi-Performance Two Piece Metal 45 Degree Exit Covers Die-cast zinc D-subminiature connector covers with 45 degree cable exit, featuring NorTech compression insert or jacket insert strain relief systems, for OEMs needing FCC Class B-compliant shielding.
- Steel Cap and Straight Barrel Style Thumbscrews Hardware thumbscrews in steel cap and straight barrel styles for D-Sub connector mating and retention, with custom configurations available on request.
- C88E Exit Covers D-sub connector exit covers offering straight or 45 degree cable exit configurations with strain relief and cable retention features.
- DC D-Subminiature Crimp Connectors Steel shell D-Subminiature connectors featuring UL94V-0 thermoplastic insulators supporting crimp termination, for OEM assembly.
- DE D-Subminiature Solder Cup Connectors Standard termination D-Sub connectors with durable construction engineered for solder cup termination.
- CPD One-Piece Straight Exit Covers Low-profile foldover-design D-Sub exit covers with integrated clip-in thumbscrews for fast assembly.
- CMA 45 Degree and Straight Exit Covers Low-profile metal D-Sub connector covers with integrated thumbscrews, available in both 45 degree and straight exit configurations.
- DB D-Subminiature Dust Covers Lightweight polyethylene dust covers protecting D-Sub connectors from debris and contamination.
- D3 High-Density Solder Cup Connectors Compact footprint high-density D-Sub connectors with UL94V-0 insulation and 3A current rating for high-density interconnect applications.
- D-Sub Female Screw Sets and Extender Kits Hardware kits providing female screw sets and extenders for alignment, retention, and secure mating of D-Sub connectors.
- EMI/RFI Shielded Connector Covers High-performance shielded connector covers in metal and metalized plastic for D-subminiature and high-density SCSI connectors, meeting or exceeding FCC EMI/RFI Class A and B suppression requirements.
- D-Sub Backshells D-Sub connector backshells delivering EMI/RFI shielding, mechanical protection, and cable management for OEM interconnect assemblies.
- D-Sub Connector Assemblies Complete D-Sub interconnect assemblies combining connectors, backshells, and accessories into ready-to-install solutions for OEMs.
- D-Sub Gender Changing Backshells D-Sub connector backshells with integrated gender-changing functionality for flexible interconnect configurations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Potentially 50% reduction in cable assembly time
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Northern Technologies
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Northern Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Northern Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- EDAC GroupflagshipNorthern Technologies was acquired by EDAC Group in August 2024. The Northern Group (including Northern Technologies Corp. and Lanpar Technologies Inc.) now operates as a division of EDAC Inc. This acquisition brings additional resources and synergies with sister companies NorComp and MH Connectors.
- Mouser ElectronicscoreMouser Electronics is an authorized global distributor of Northern Technologies products, awarded 2024 Distributor of the Year by EDAC Group for outstanding global support and customer responsiveness.
- Digi-KeycoreDigi-Key is an authorized global distributor of Northern Technologies products, awarded 2024 Excellence in Marketing Award for digital marketing leadership and strong ROI delivery.
- Heilind ElectronicscoreHeilind Electronics is an authorized distributor specializing in interconnect products, awarded 2024 Excellence in Design Award for delivering design wins and custom connector solutions.
- NorCompcoreSister company within EDAC Group (North America/Asia Pacific operations) providing complementary interconnect solutions. Resources being used to further develop and enhance Northern Technologies brands.
- MH Connectors (EMEA)coreSister company within EDAC Group (EMEA operations) providing complementary interconnect solutions. Resources being used to further develop and enhance Northern Technologies brands.
- Lanpar TechnologiescoreSister company acquired alongside Northern Technologies as part of EDAC Group acquisition. Lanpar Technologies operates as a division of EDAC (America) Ltd.
- RS Americas (Allied Electronics)minorAuthorized Americas distributor of Northern Technologies products based in Fort Worth, Texas.
- EncitechminorEuropean distributor based in Sweden covering the European market for Northern Technologies products.
- WiseLINKminorAsian distributor based in Singapore serving the Asia-Pacific region for Northern Technologies products.
- Electro SonicminorCanadian distributor based in Markham, Ontario for Northern Technologies products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Northern Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NorComp: Sister company within EDAC Group producing D-sub connectors and interconnect solutions in North America/Asia Pacific. Directly comparable as a sibling D-sub/connector brand now jointly owned with Northern Technologies.
- ERNI Electronics: Specialist in D-subminiature and rectangular industrial connectors, including backshells and shielded variants. Closely comparable to Northern in D-sub connector covers and EMC-shielded accessories.
- Cinch Connectivity Solutions: Bel Fuse division manufacturing D-subminiature connectors, backshells, and related interconnect accessories. Directly comparable in D-sub connectors and EMI/RFI shielding/backshells.
- MH Connectors (EDAC EMEA): Sister company under EDAC Group serving EMEA with D-sub and related interconnect products. Closest geographic-functional peer to Northern Technologies within the EDAC portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Amphenol: Large diversified connector manufacturer with D-sub and industrial interconnect product lines. Comparable on product category (connectors/backshells) though Amphenol serves a much broader customer base.
- Molex: Major connector manufacturer (Koch subsidiary) with extensive D-sub and I/O interconnect offerings. Overlaps with Northern on connector and backshell categories within industrial and data communications customers.
- TE Connectivity: Global incumbent in electronic connectors and interconnect systems with a broad D-sub and backshell portfolio. Overlaps with Northern in shielded D-sub backshells and connector accessories but at vastly greater scale.
- Harting: German industrial connector specialist with D-sub and rectangular connector product lines serving industrial automation. Overlaps with Northern in ruggedized/industrial D-sub and EMI-shielded interconnect.
- 3M Interconnect Solutions: 3M's interconnect portfolio includes D-sub connectors, headers, and accessories used in industrial and data communications applications. Broad incumbent peer with overlapping shielded interconnect capability.
Emerging players
- JST (Japan Solderless Terminals): Connector manufacturer with a growing D-sub and rectangular interconnect portfolio. Comparable in connector category though with broader wire-to-board focus rather than EMI backshell specialization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Northern Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceNorthern Technologies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
Northern Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Northern Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Northern Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Northern Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Northern Technologies
What does Northern Technologies do?
Northern Technologies designs and manufactures standard and custom high-performance EMI/RFI shielded and non-shielded connector covers for D-subminiature and high-density SCSI connectors, plus a broad line of D-subminiature, SCSI, V.35, fibre channel (GBIC), telco, and modular style connectors with associated accessory hardware. Most covers utilize the patented NorTech™ compression insert system, providing "one size fits all" cable compatibility that reduces inventory and can cut cable assembly time in half.
Is Northern Technologies a public or private company?
Northern Technologies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Northern Technologies founded?
Northern Technologies was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Northern Technologies based?
Northern Technologies is headquartered in Markham, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Northern Technologies make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Connector Covers and Accessories are the primary driver. The others are D-Subminiature Connectors and custom Hardware Solutions.
Who are Northern Technologies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NorComp, ERNI Electronics, Cinch Connectivity Solutions and MH Connectors (EDAC EMEA). Broad incumbents are Amphenol, Molex, TE Connectivity, Harting and 3M Interconnect Solutions. JST (Japan Solderless Terminals) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Northern Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Northern Technologies.
What industry is Northern Technologies in?
Northern Technologies's product category is Electronic Connectors. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAOAA, Connectors (Power/Signal/High-Speed), with a secondary code of IMAGAJAC, Connectors & Interconnect Components (Industrial connectors, terminals, sockets, backplane). Its NAICS code is 334417 and its SIC code is 3678.