There has been heightened discussion in recent months of the need to bring high-tech electronics manufacturing back to the U.S. With the current shortage of critical components like semiconductors and batteries, the gap in the electronics supply chain, partially the result of years of outsourcing, has taken center stage.
Yet, while many electronics companies opted to shift production overseas during the last few decades, many others committed to making their products in America.
One of these companies is Werbel Microwave, a manufacturer of high-performance, quality radio frequency (RF) and microwave products for military, commercial, test and measurement, DAS, and amateur radio applications, based in Whippany, New Jersey.
Despite its humble beginnings, Werbel Microwave ultimately realized its dream of making electronics in the U.S. Today, we’re featuring their story.
Werbel Microwave’s Story
In 2014, Werbel Microwave’s founder, Ernest Werbel, decided to strike out on his own after losing two jobs in the span of a year. He renovated his parents’ 180-square foot garage in Livingston, New Jersey adding insulation, flooring and new paint.
Above: Werbel Microwave's early beginnings in founder Ernest Werbel's parents' garage
Building on the knowledge he had accumulated from his experience as a technician since 2004, Earnest steadily built the company, adding seven employees and automated production equipment.
The limitations of being a garage startup financed by life savings and credit cards forced Werbel to find innovative solutions to manufacturing problems. Because of this, the company maintains fast delivery and competitive prices to this day.
Above: Ernest Werbel, Founder & Chief Engineer of Werbel Microwave
Ernest has personally designed most of the products offered, whether a Werbel branded product or a custom or OEM product. This allows the company to support the product while avoiding obsolescence and supply issues.
Says Ernest, “Since 2014 we have been realizing the dream of bringing high technology, electronics manufacturing back to the United States. Our commitment is to quality, excellence in workmanship, quick delivery and long-term reliability of our products.”
Werbel Microwave Today
Today, Werbel Microwave’s products include single and dual directional couplers, bidirectional couplers, power splitters, power dividers, power combiners, Wilkinson and resistive splitters, reactive splitters, 90 and 180 degree hybrids, bias tees, mono-pulse comparators. Werbel orders highly competitive prices and orders placed online typically ship within 1-2 business days.
Employee Appreciation
"I would have lost six years of my life that I have invested into this company if not for my employees."
2020 was a challenging year for everyone. New Jersey was one of the states hardest-hit by COVID-19. Even approaching mid-2021, while several states have reopened, New Jersey continues to remain restricted.
“Being a manufacturer, there are many processes that require on-site bench work,” says Ernest. “It was not feasible to have employees work remotely. Truth be told, the workload has grown beyond what I could handle by myself, even if I slept here every night. Many businesses in NJ did end up closing. I would have lost six years of my life that I have invested into this company if not for my employees, who continued to come in and make a conscious effort to get the work done with consideration to the new guidelines. I am grateful to my team for sticking with me through this unprecedented time.”
And what advice does Ernest have for other manufacturing startups? “Stay hungry, and always turn a negative situation into a positive one.”
Werbel Microwave’s Capabilities
Pick and Place Machine
Wilkinson Splitters at High Capacity: Automated assembly allows us to populate up to 100 boards daily with size as small as 0402 resistors.
LPKF Protolaser S4
Coupler Pcb's with Unbeatable Accuracy: Laser-etched pcb’s are more accurate then chemical etching, achieving precise coupling values with repeatable performance.
Reflow Oven
Increasing Reliability and Repeatability: Proper soldering of all joints while minimizing thermal stress ensures long term reliability of products.
Product Line Expansion
Currently expanding the product line to cover applications to 26 GHz, with plans to go to 40 GHz within the year 2021.
Werbel Microwave welcomes to submit their customized RF requirements for quotation. See them on IndustryNet or visit their website at https://www.werbelmicrowave.com
