Queens-Based Business Thrives With Niche Thinking

Aerospace Wire & Cable Inc., founded by Taiwanese immigrant Dick Chen, is thriving in spite of NYC's steady loss of heavy industry to cheaper, overseas markets according to Crain's.

The College Point, Queens-based company, with $10 million in 2007 revenues, designs specialized products such as a unique, stone-colored cable that collects data on humidity, acidity, and pollution, used to help structures like the Washington Monument weather the elements.

The company's Teflon-covered cables carry data faster than conventional cables at extreme temperatures and are also in use on NYC high-rises because it meets stringent fire codes and by the Department of Environmental Protection to monitor cooling systems at water-treatment plants.

Crain's New York Business (subscription required)