CSII Objectives, Products and History
 

Our manufacturing and engineering facility in Long Beach, California.

1955 ASHE-ARMSTRONG CO.

We've Been Supplying the Industry for More Than Half a Century. Control Switches International, Inc. can trace its roots to 1955, to the founding of the partnership of Ashe-Armstrong Company in Los Angeles. The company marketed electrical and mechanical components to the aerospace industry and government supported facilities, most of which were located in the Western United States, primarily Southern California.

1957 CONTROL SWITCHES.

Changing Focus With The Changing Market. Changing with the market, the partnership dissolved in 1957, and Control Switches, Inc., a California company, was formed. The new corporation purchased the assets and product lines of the original partnership and invited the participation of additional stockholders. Control Switches introduced some new product lines that helped the company expand its market to the fast-growing industrial sector.

1974 EPC

First Subsidiary Formed. In 1974, Control Switches, Inc. established Electrical Power and Controls, Inc. (EPC) as its wholly owned subsidiary. EPC was created to be a stocking distributor of electrical and electronic components manufactured by domestic and foreign companies. Shares in the subsidiary were issued and sales and management people joined the EPC staff. EPC purchased a substantial parts inventory to augment CSI’s line and began to address the markets located primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada. At the same time, CSI became a holding company for the purpose of future acquisitions and company startups.

1977 CSii

CSII Formed. In 1977, management and stockholders approved the incorporation of a new company, to import, promote and distribute components throughout North and South America. Called Control Switches, International, Inc. (CSII), the new entity’s immediate emphasis would be to market electrical components within the United States, Canada and Mexico through manufacturers representatives, with gradual geographical expansion.

       




1980 FAMILY OWNED

Management Move. In 1980, D. J. ("Jack") Armstrong, one of the founders of Control Switches, Inc., purchased the outstanding stock of the other investors and assumed control of the organization.

1992 CUSTOM CONTROL PANEL SHOP

Custom Track Facility Established. In 1992, a "value added" facility was established in order to supply customers’ needs from electrical products carried in inventory by both EPC and CSII. Approved for Industrial Control Panel, UL508A assembly, this department undergoes regular UL inspections. Its operation includes switches wired to terminal blocks and mounted in all types of  enclosures, sectional terminal blocks assembled on din rail and mounted in enclosures; and contactors and relays designed into panels.

1997 WOMEN OWNED

Family Members’ Loyalty Continues. Three daughters manage the operation today, collectively offering over 100 years of service. Peggy Turner joined EPC’s sales force in 1981, transferred to CSII in the mid-1980s, and is now Vice President. Judy Steward got her start with EPC in outside sales in 1981; she is now Vice President of EPC. Susi Moore brought her financial expertise to the company in 1991 as Controller and today serves as the Chief Financial Officer.

Unique Business Advantages for CSII. In 1997, CSI qualified as a "woman owned" company and a minority supplier for federal and state purchases of materials, a distinct advantage for a private corporation bidding for public projects.

CSII's network of independent manufacturers’ representatives is expanding into parts of Canada and Mexico. Although engineering and management staff are currently located in the Long Beach corporate offices, CSII plans regional sales offices in the near future.

A dedicated staff has contributed significantly to the success of the CSI companies and includes several employees with ten to more than thirty years of service.

CSII At Your Service. Our employees are happy to address your special design and product needs.

MISSION STATEMENT:

We will work hard to ensure customer satisfaction by providing quality products, competitive pricing & superior customer service, with trust and integity.