Quam-Nichols Manufacturing Company

The Quam-Nichols Company was established in 1930. Living in the shadow of the Great Depression, our namesake in founders shared a sense of determination and optimism; but along with that came expertise. J. P. Quam had manufacturing experience in phonograph motors and electronic parts, while Frank Nichols had a talent for metalworking. Together, these men and their complimentary skills formed the basis of our company.

During this time, much of the manufacturing of "store-bought" radios was done in the Midwest. Quam-Nichols was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the speakers found in most of the brand name radios of the time. A few years later, we did the same for another new technology called television. Looking back in time and viewing the growth of the radio, television and entertainment industries, we’re proud to say that Quam-Nichols played an important part.

Over the years, those industries have seen numerous changes. US-made brands of consumer electronics are all but a memory, as most of the big brand names of that era are either gone completely, or gone offshore - along with their vendors. Not Quam-Nichols.

With a strong manufacturing base and well-trained workforce already in place, we chose to emphasize our core strengths and adapt our business plan to the changing market. For over seventy-five years, we’ve been based in Chicago, and we remain successful. Our original guiding principles of: Legendary Reliability, Superior Customer Service and always an Outstanding Value are enhanced by another critical factor- it’s Made in Chicago, by Chicagoans!

Today, we continue to design and manufacture a wide scope of loudspeaker and installation solutions for the changing installed sound industry. If the project involves signaling, sound masking, voice or music, look to Quam as your 'problem solver'.