In February 1960, Electronic Fasteners Inc. (EFI) opened its first office and warehouse at 63 Melcher Street, Boston, in 3,500 square feet of basement space leased from the Boston Wharf Company. From its very first mailing announcing the company’s formation, EFI flourished, posting a profit even in its first year.
With the dawning of the computer age and the expanding high-technology industry along Route 128 came the demand for more sophisticated and specialized component suppliers for the increasing numbers of electronics manufacturers popping up on what was becoming known as “America’s Technology Highway.” In this dynamic business environment, Electronic Fastener’s growth was so rapid that in 1965 we built a 20,000 square foot building just off 128 in Waltham, followed by another 10,000 square feet of added space in 1972.
While the company was founded to specialize in the AN, MS and NAS fasteners used by the electronics and defense industries, we were soon providing fasteners and fastener services of all types, as well as a wide range of related hardware, to virtually every industry in need of fastener-related components for manufacturing and assembly.
EFI continued to grow throughout the ensuing decades. In keeping with its mission to provide the highest level of quality and service, EFI obtained ISO certification in 1993. During the late 90’s, we invested heavily in inventory management technology, and today EFI utilizes systems as sophisticated as any in its industry.
Over the years, our sustained growth and profitability have attracted a dynamic workforce characterized by a high level of commitment and low turnover. Some employees have been with us for more than 30 years. While EFI remains very much a family business – five of the original six founding families remain actively involved in the company – the company has not hesitated to seek out the industry talent it needs to maintain its growth and its high standards of customer service. Today, more than half of our management team has been recruited into the company or promoted from within our workforce.
Today, EFI does more than simply sell fasteners — we sell our proven ability to provide consistently reliable service, quality and cost effectiveness. We support this ability with our investment in fastener inventories, our investment in inventory management technology, and our investment in our people.
Looking back on our six decades in business, we are proud that so many of our customers have entrusted us with their fastener business for so many years — many of them having been with us from our inception. Our goal is to continue the exceptional legacy that our founding fathers began.