Bell Microproducts

Electronic News, July 13, 1998 by Ann Steffora

San Jose, Calif. -- Bell Microproducts pushed further into the telecom space with the addition of GMT Microelectronics Corp.'s ICs.

Analog and mixed signal ICs, such as the ones Bell will distribute nationwide for GMT, based in Philadelphia, Pa., are used heavily in the telecom industry (such as in cellular handsets and pagers), a market which is growing at a tremendous pace.

Industrial, Consumer Apps

Along with the telecom industry, GMT's ICs are also targeted at industrial and consumer applications such as computer peripherals. Additionally, GMT is currently designing power management products to be introduced later this year.

GMT was launched originally in 1995 as a foundry, and expanded last year to offer semiconductor products, to complement its BiCMOS and BCDMOS capabilities. GMT's two product families include current mode pulse width modulation controllers as well as standard '555' timer-oscillator devices. This is also the first time a nationwide distributor will carry GMT's products.

1998 also marks Bell Microproducts' first decade of business, during which time, Don Bell, president and CEO has led the company from 16 employees and $16 million in revenue to more than 650 employees and $533 million in 1997 revenue.

A Range Of Offerings

Bell Microproducts carries products, including chips, disk drives, tape drives, optical drives, system boards, and peripherals from 82 manufacturers. Bell offers value-added services as well, including testing, disk subsystem assembly, and contract manufacturing. The company's Quadrus division operates an advanced contact manufacturing facility for printed circuit board and systems assembly.