From pioneering analog computing to redefining power solutions with products like the ADD-A-PHASE® and the BLOCKER®, RONK ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES has consistently delivered trusted electrical solutions. As the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide reliable, high-quality solutions for an ever-changing world. With a focus on customer needs and community values, RONK is poised for continued success in the decades to come.
In 1950, LeRoy B. Ronk established System Analyzer Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, laying the foundation for what would become a trailblazer in the electrical industry. Initially, the company specialized in analog computer systems, allowing power companies; particularly cooperatives and utilities in rapidly electrifying rural areas; to analyze the impact of long and heavily loaded distribution lines on system operations. By 1953, the company’s innovation reached new heights with the sale of what was then the world’s largest analog computer.
While collaborating with power companies in the early 1950s, Mr. Ronk recognized a crucial gap in the market: the lack of specialized electrical equipment to meet the unique needs of rural distribution systems. This insight led to the 1952 introduction of the ADD-A-PHASE®, a groundbreaking device enabling standard three phase motors to operate on single phase rural distribution lines. As one of the most efficient solutions for balanced three phase power, the ADD-A-PHASE® remains a vital tool in the industry.
To better serve its expanding customer base, the company relocated to Nokomis, Illinois, in 1954. From this central location, the company not only improved logistics but also began expanding its product offerings. By the late 1950s, the POWER-TWIN UNIVERSAL® was introduced: a versatile motor capable of operating on single phase power or being reconfigured for three phase use in the field.
The 1960s ushered in a wave of product innovation. The METER-RITE® switch line debuted in 1960, providing an economical solution for upgrading electrical service and connecting standby generators. Quickly evolving into an industry staple, the line grew to include pole-top, grade-level, and meter-socket models. Simultaneously, the launch of the ROTOVERTER® addressed the need for efficient, balanced three phase currents in heavily loaded motor applications.
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a period of growth and consolidation. System Analyzer Corporation acquired Valley Electric Corporation and Coffeen Metal Products, integrating their operations into an expanded Nokomis facility. These strategic acquisitions gave the company full control over manufacturing motors, rotary transformers, and enclosures.
In 1967, this entity was renamed RONK ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES, reflecting its growing influence and product diversity. By the end of the decade, the company had added a downtown Nokomis office complex, an assembly facility for METER-RITE® switches, and expanded storage.
As energy costs rose during the 1970s, RONK responded with products that improved efficiency and reduced operational costs:
The 1980s saw the introduction of the FARMPOWR® single phase motors for agricultural use and the KURRENT KUTTER®, which minimized inrush current during motor startups. In 1984, RONK launched the BLOCKER®, an innovative solution that isolates stray voltage sources while maintaining grounding safety: a key advancement for agricultural operations. That same year, the ECONO-PHASE® Shifter provided a cost-effective power conversion solution for oil field pump jack applications.
RONK’s commitment to growth, and staying on the leading edge, continued through the late 20th and early 21st centuries:
Powertron Corporation's story began in the 1960s as a generator sales and service company, evolving over the decades into a leader in emergency power solutions. Acquired by RONK ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES in 2022, This acquisition brought a legacy of innovation and excellence, particularly in generator tap box manufacturing.
Under RONK, POWERTRON® has now become a prominent product line, expanded to include solutions that blend functionality, safety, and ease of installation:
RONK continues to lead the industry with groundbreaking products designed for the evolving needs of modern applications:
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to expand our Contract Services offering with custom product solutions. Leveraging our extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, we’re prepared to transform your ideas into reality with unmatched precision, efficiency, and superior quality. In 2025, RONK will also introduce additional POWERTRON® Dual-Purpose Tap Box products, solidifying our position as a leader in custom power solutions.
For over 70 years, RONK ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES has been an economic pillar in Nokomis, Illinois. As one of the oldest and largest manufacturers in the region, RONK has built a legacy of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in the electrical industry.
From pioneering analog computing to redefining power solutions with products like the ADD-A-PHASE® and the BLOCKER®, RONK ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES has consistently delivered trusted electrical solutions. As the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide reliable, high-quality solutions for an ever-changing world. With a focus on customer needs and community values, RONK is poised for continued success in the decades to come.
