Norsat
| Public | |
| Traded as |
TSX: NII NYSE MKT: NSAT |
| Industry | Communications · Defense |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Rod Wheeler |
| Headquarters | Richmond, British Columbia, Canada |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Amiee Chan, President & CEO |
| Products | satellite terminals, VSAT, microwave components |
| Revenue |
 US$38.4 million (2011) |
Number of employees | 175 |
| Website | www.norsat.com |
Norsat International Inc. is a satellite communications company based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The company, founded in 1977, develops and produces communications solutions for the transmission of data, audio and video in challenging applications and environments. Norsat's primary customers are from the military, broadcast and maritime industries. In 2011 Norsat acquired Sinclair Technologies,[1] a Canadian company providing antenna and RF conditioning products.
History
The company was founded by Rod Wheeler in 1977 in Whitehorse, Yukon under the name Northern Satellite Systems. He founded the company after attempting to build the first affordable consumer satellite dish with chicken wire and foil. This satellite dish eventually became the company's first prototype. After the company's IPO, it was renamed Norsat and Rod Wheeler became its first CEO. Norsat now produces a variety of satellite communication products and is managed by President and CEO, Dr. Amiee Chan.
Products
Norsat's products include:
- Portable satellite terminals in C, X, Ku and Ka-band[2]
- Network satellite systems
- Microwave components (LNA, LNB, BUC, BDC)
- RF Conditioning and antennas
- Maritime satellite communication products
The company operates offices in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, and the UK.