Northern Technologies

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.

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

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

• D-Sub connector covers
• EMI/RFI shielding products
• D-subminiature connectors
• SCSI connector accessories
• FCC-compliant backshells

Headquarters

HQ city

Markham

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Core 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

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• EDAC GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 August 2024Northern 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 ElectronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMouser 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-KeycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigi-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 ElectronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeilind Electronics is an authorized distributor specializing in interconnect products, awarded 2024 Excellence in Design Award for delivering design wins and custom connector solutions.
• NorCompcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company within EDAC Group (EMEA operations) providing complementary interconnect solutions. Resources being used to further develop and enhance Northern Technologies brands.
• Lanpar TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister 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)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized Americas distributor of Northern Technologies products based in Fort Worth, Texas.
• EncitechminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEuropean distributor based in Sweden covering the European market for Northern Technologies products.
• WiseLINKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAsian distributor based in Singapore serving the Asia-Pacific region for Northern Technologies products.
• Electro SonicminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian distributor based in Markham, Ontario for Northern Technologies products.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct 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

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/northern-technologies

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Northern Technologies