Foundation of the new business unit

Fortunately, Comet’s U.S.-based partner in the X-ray business, Machlett, had recently started producing Vacuum Capacitors. Comet considered to enter into a licensing contract with Machlett so it could start manufacturing a small range of Vacuum Capacitors and source additional types from Machlett.

So in 1965, Dr. Steck presented the potential of Vacuum Capacitor production to the annual general meeting of the shareholders. To guarantee a successful start, he was even able to provide them with letters of intent from some local companies that planned to use Comet for their Vacuum Capacitor needs in the future. Soon, a pilot project was launched, kick-starting Comet’s journey into the high-frequency technology market.

It was a great time to enter the Vacuum Capacitor business in Europe. Jennings was the undisputed leader in Vacuum Capacitors at that time, but the company could not ensure high-quality service in Europe due to the distance. For this reason, customers were willing to change suppliers as long as the quality and price were comparable. Additionally, Jennings specialized in fixed glass Vacuum Capacitors rather than the more promising variable ceramic types.

Comet ramped up its Vacuum Capacitor business slowly, as it was accustomed to small volume and precision production techniques. Because Comet understood that customers required not only the best quality but also expert support, they invested in great staff, laying the foundation for customer focus that continues to this day. 

Dr. Steck even asked Joe Skehan, the president of Machlett, for assistance in this matter. In a letter, he wrote: “You never know, if it happens that you meet one engineer anxious to ski in the Alps or to climb mountains, you just give him our address.”

By the way, Comet is still looking for new talent – check out our open positions.

Over the years, the product range expanded from Machlett’s licensed products to Comet’s own developments, as well as customized solutions. Comet also started to build its own production equipment specifically for Vacuum Capacitors, which improved the manufacturing process and increased the quality of the final product.

The early success with vacuum capacitors ultimately laid the groundwork for Comet’s entrance in the semiconductor business 1978 in Japan. For us at Comet PCT (Plasma Control Technologies), this was the origin of our division and the first step on our path to empower new technologies.