1. You started at Amphenol as a summer associate in 2020 and now, less than three years later, you’re the General Manager at RFS Technologies. Can you tell us about that journey and a bit about your background?

I began at Amphenol as a Group Business Development Manager for the RF, Optics and Broadband (RFOB) group. My role involved executing strategies for organic and inorganic (acquisition) growth, including the significant strategy of acquiring RFS Technologies. This acquisition allowed me to gain valuable insights into their operations and potential. My previous experience in the nuclear energy sector, where I focused on major infrastructure projects and technical leadership, provided a solid foundation for leading a technical-oriented organization and regulatory navigation. The transition to RFS Technologies felt natural due to my involvement in the acquisition process. In 2023, I was appointed General Manager, where I now lead the company. This journey reflects my commitment to learning and driving impactful change, and I am excited about our future growth and innovation.

2. The origin of RFS Technologies can be traced back to 1900 in Germany. Perhaps staying a bit more current, what can you tell our readers about the company’s heritage and evolution?

In 2023, Amphenol acquired the North American cable business and the global Base Station Antenna Business of Radio Frequency Systems (RFS). The global Base Station Antenna business now operates under Amphenol’s pre-existing Amphenol Antenna Solutions brand, while the North American cable business has been rebranded as RFS Technologies. Today, RFS Technologies focuses on serving customers in North America. Historically, RFS was responsible for ground-breaking innovations that enabled modern communication technologies. For instance, the low-loss flexible cables forming the backbone of the cellular network and the radiating cables used in subways were pioneered by RFS. Our U.S. team continues this tradition with innovations like air dielectric plenum cables for DAS systems and DragonSkin 2-Hour Burn-rated cables for public safety communications.

3. So RFS Technologies was a new company or brand that was born out of the Amphenol acquisition, can you talk more about What has that experience been like? What are the advantages of being part of Amphenol?

The Amphenol acquisition combines the innovation DNA of RFS Technologies with the operational prowess and financial strength of Amphenol, a Fortune 500 company. Transitioning from a U.S.-based satellite facility under a European parent company to an Amphenol company has required a shift to an entrepreneurial mindset. This change has empowered us to take full control of our product portfolio and financial outcomes, fostering a culture of innovation and agility. Being part of Amphenol offers several advantages:

  • Local Management and Facilities: RFS Technologies is now managed locally from our base in Meriden, Connecticut, with dedicated local engineering and production facilities. This shift has streamlined our operations and allowed for more responsive decision-making. The shift also empowers our team, ensuring that those most familiar with the local market have the authority to act quickly and effectively.
  • Increased Investment and Agility: With Amphenol’s resources, we can further invest in our business, making us nimbler. This agility enables us to bring products to market faster, from idea creation to full production ramp-up.
  • Collaborative Opportunities: We can now collaborate with other Amphenol companies, gaining access to new markets and expansion of our product offering, thereby enhancing our ability to innovate and deliver comprehensive solutions.

4. Can you describe any “metrics” (number of facilities, number of employees, square footage of facilities, locations, etc.) that would give our readers a better sense of RFS Technologies?

RFS Technologies is headquartered in Meriden, CT, with over 200,000 square feet of production space and more than 130 dedicated employees. As part of Amphenol, we benefit from a vast global network, including access to over 95,000 experts and additional manufacturing capabilities in over 40 countries. This allows us to serve customers globally with flexibility and a broad range of expertise.

5. RFS Technologies has an extensive range of legacy and new products. Can you describe your product portfolio and market focus?

Our primary focus is the telecommunications market, especially serving carriers. We supply hybrid power and fiber cables for large U.S. cellular carriers. We offer the broadest range of UL-listed products for in-building installations, providing coverage for cellular, public safety and Wi-Fi, including our plenum-rated radiating cable.

Our air dielectric cables, available in diameters up to five inches, provide the lowest loss and highest power handling capabilities, ideal for broadcast, defense and other high-power RF applications. We also target military, industrial and physics research/national labs with both legacy and new products.

The microwave product line includes elliptical and flexible rectangular waveguides and dehydrators, which are essential for point-to-point microwave antenna feeders and other applications that require low-loss microwave transmission lines. These products ensure efficient and reliable microwave signal transmission.

In addition to our extensive range of cable products, RFS Technologies also boasts a services division specializing in the design, installation and commissioning of various network and RF design solutions. Our manufacturing expertise extends beyond cables, allowing us to design and produce custom cabling solutions tailored to specific applications.

6. What core competencies and technologies differentiate you from your competitors?

We are dedicated to manufacturing our products in the U.S., which allows us to maintain stringent quality control and ensure compliance with industry standards. Our team of seasoned engineers and technicians specializes in innovative cable design and production. Key areas of expertise include:

  • Selection and application of high-temperature resistant dielectric materials
  • Seam welding and corrugation of copper and aluminum tubes
  • Cabling and armoring of optical fiber, power and other types of cables into composite structures
  • Assembly of specialized cable assemblies with capabilities to test for VSWR, insertion loss, PIM, phase length and other parameters as required.

We also offer comprehensive field services, assisting customers in the application of our products to ensure optimal performance and integration.

7. Where is your development focus? What applications, products and markets have you excited for the future?

We have a robust product development program aimed at continuously innovating and expanding our product offerings. Our recent developments include:

  • Universal cushion hangers: These versatile hangers can mount a wide range of cable sizes to towers, offering flexibility and ease of installation.
  • Improved dehydrators: Designed for pressurizing air dielectric cables and elliptical waveguides, enhancing their performance and longevity.
  • 1 ¼" radiating cable: The industry’s only 1 ¼" radiating cable that supports the 4.2 GHz cellular band, specifically designed for tunnel applications.
  • ¼" plenum-rated superflexible cable: Perfect for use in jumper cables within DAS.

Looking ahead, we are excited about several upcoming products:

  • ½" plenum-rated radiating cable: This will extend Wi-Fi coverage within buildings, providing improved connectivity in various indoor environments.
  • 5/8” air dielectric plenum-rated feeder cable: This cable is designed for DAS applications, offering superior performance and flexibility.
  • Small diameter cables for microwave applications: These cables will meet the growing demand for compact, high-performance solutions in microwave technology.
  • High-temperature cables for industrial, utilities, military and research applications: Our high-temperature cables will cater to the rigorous demands of these sectors, providing reliable performance in extreme conditions.
  • Armored plenum cables: These cables will enhance safety and reliability in public buildings, ensuring robust communication networks during emergencies.

We are particularly excited about expanding our market reach with innovative solutions like the 2-Hour Burn DragonSkin high-temperature products and advanced solutions for the defense sector.

8. How do you see your product, market and customer mix changing in the next five years? What do you envision as the mix of organic growth and acquisition activities to support this evolution?

We will continue to focus on our core telecommunications and network products as we complete the 5G rollout and prepare for the next generation of wireless technology (6G and beyond). We will expand into non-traditional telecom markets, including industrial, utilities, smart factories, transportation and defense. This diversification will drive growth and provide greater market resilience. Innovation is at the heart of our strategy, and we will invest in R&D to develop new products and enhance existing ones, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers.

9. What else would you like our readers to know about RFS Technologies?

We are connectivity and design experts. Our expertise goes beyond manufacturing. We continually invest in R&D to stay at the forefront of industry trends. We also pride ourselves on our sales reach and strength of customer relationships, offering personalized solutions and exceptional support. Our goal is to be more than a supplier; we aim to be a trusted partner in our customers’ success, delivering superior products and unmatched service and support.