Overview
Rockwell International Corporation was a major American industrial, aerospace, defense, and electronics conglomerate formed in 1967 through the merger of Rockwell Manufacturing Company and North American Aviation. The company became heavily involved in aerospace systems, military electronics, avionics, communications equipment, semiconductors, computers, and industrial automation.
Rockwell International also owned several consumer electronics and appliance brands, including Admiral Corporation after acquiring it in 1973.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Rockwell International Corporation |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Industries | Aerospace, defense, electronics, industrial automation |
| Major Products | Aerospace systems, avionics, radios, industrial controls |
| Notable Divisions | Collins Radio, Rocketdyne, Autonetics |
| Acquired Admiral Corporation | 1973 |
| Successor Companies | Rockwell Automation, Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace |
Physical Description
Rockwell International manufactured a wide range of products including aerospace systems, communications equipment, military electronics, semiconductors, industrial automation equipment, and consumer appliances. The corporation operated numerous manufacturing and engineering facilities throughout the United States.
History
Rockwell International originated from Rockwell Manufacturing Company, founded by Willard Rockwell. The company initially specialized in industrial and automotive equipment before expanding into aerospace and electronics.
In 1967, Rockwell Manufacturing merged with North American Aviation to form North American Rockwell. The company quickly became a major aerospace contractor involved in the Apollo space program, military aircraft, missile systems, and avionics.
The corporation adopted the Rockwell International name in 1973. During the same year, Rockwell acquired Admiral Corporation, expanding into consumer electronics and home appliances.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Rockwell International became one of the largest aerospace and electronics firms in the United States. Its Collins Radio division was widely known for aviation and military communications systems, while Rocketdyne became a leading rocket engine manufacturer.
During the 1990s, Rockwell began divesting divisions and restructuring operations. Aerospace and defense businesses were sold to Boeing, while industrial automation operations became Rockwell Automation. Communications and avionics divisions later evolved into Rockwell Collins and eventually Collins Aerospace.
Historical Addresses
Headquarters
Rockwell International
600 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Rockwell International Corporation
2201 Seal Beach Boulevard
Seal Beach, California 90740
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Rockwell Manufacturing Company founded |
| 1967 | Merger with North American Aviation forms North American Rockwell |
| 1973 | Company renamed Rockwell International |
| 1973 | Acquisition of Admiral Corporation |
| 1970s | Major participation in NASA Space Shuttle development |
| 1980s | Expansion of aerospace and electronics operations |
| 1996 | Aerospace and defense businesses sold to Boeing |
| 2001 | Reorganization into Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Collins |
References
- Wikipedia: Rockwell International
Corporate history, mergers, and aerospace operations. - Encyclopedia Britannica: Rockwell International Corporation
Historical overview of the corporation.