Overview
Harris Corporation was an American technology company specializing in communications systems, broadcast equipment, and electronic systems for government, defense, and commercial markets. The company became a major supplier of public safety radio systems, military communications, and broadcast transmission equipment.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Harris Corporation |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Founder | Alfred S. Harris |
| Industry | Communications, Defense Electronics, Broadcast Equipment |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Florida, USA |
| Key Divisions | Government Communications, RF Communications, Broadcast Communications |
| Notable Brands | Gates, Gates-Harris |
Description
Harris Corporation developed and manufactured a wide range of communications and electronic systems. Its products included two-way radio systems for public safety and government use, tactical military communications equipment, broadcast radio and television transmitters, and network and information technology systems.
Through its Gates Division, Harris became a major supplier of broadcast transmitters and studio equipment used by AM and FM radio stations worldwide.
History
Harris Corporation originated in 1895 as the Harris Automatic Press Company in Niles, Ohio, producing printing equipment. The company expanded into electronics and communications through acquisitions and mergers during the mid-20th century, including the acquisition of Gates Radio Company, which established its presence in broadcast communications.
Over time, Harris grew into a major contractor in defense communications, public safety radio systems, and broadcast infrastructure, while continuing to evolve through restructuring, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Timeline
- 1895 — Harris Corporation was founded in Niles, Ohio
- 1957 — Harris acquired Gates Radio Company and Intertype Corporation
- 1959 — Harris acquired PRD Electronics
- 1967 — Harris merged with Radiation Incorporated
- 1969 — Harris Corporation acquired RF Communications and Fannon Electric Corporation
- 1974 — Harris acquired Datacraft Corporation, forming the Harris Computer Systems Division
- 1979 — Harris formed a joint venture, Matra Harris Semiconductors (MHS)
- 1983 — Harris acquired Lanier Business Products, Inc.
- 1988 — Harris acquired GE’s semiconductor business, incorporating Intersil and RCA semiconductor operations
- 1989 — Harris withdrew from Matra Harris Semiconductors (MHS)
- 1996 — Harris Corporation formed a joint venture with Shenzhen Telecom Company
- 1998 — Harris spun off Lanier Business Products, Inc. and sold commercial and military logic product lines to Texas Instruments
- 1999 — Harris spun off its remaining semiconductor business under the Intersil name
- 2011 — Harris re-opened Harris Canada, Inc.
- 2012 — Harris sold its broadcast equipment operations to the Gores Group (Harris Broadcast)
- 2015 — Harris purchased Exelis Inc. and sold Harris Healthcare Solutions to NantHealth
- 2017 — Harris sold its government IT services division to Veritas Capital, renamed Peraton
- 2019 — Harris merged with L3 Technologies to form L3Harris Technologies, Inc.