Maurice “Mo” Orlando, founder of Ortronics Inc., passed away April 28, at the age of 91, at his home in Long Boat Key, FL. The announcement was made on May 7 by Mark C. Panico, president of data communications for Legrand North America. Legrand acquired Ortronics in 1998.
“We at Legrand owe Mr. Orlando a debt of gratitude for building the foundation of what has become a leading global player in the data communications marketplace, and want to recognize him for his vision, vast knowledge and contribution to the structured cabling industry,” Panico said. “Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences and appreciation for all his accomplishments to the Orlando family.”
Legrand explained that after founding Ortronics in Norwich, CT in 1966, Orlando used his engineering background to design, build and patent his own assembly-line machinery that manufactured electrical coils and wire harnesses. Ortronics also built cabling assemblies for the Regional Bell Operating Companies, and “became the largest independent manufacturer of speed relay coils in New England,” Legrand said. “In the 1980s Ortronics developed a bridging adapter for customer premise equipment for the telephone industry.”
Ortronics entered the data communications market in 1985, Legrand recalled, ‘with modular patch panels and panel adapters designed to work in the twisted-pair environment. As the structured cabling industry grew, Mr. Orlando was instrumental in introducing category jacks designed to meet specific industry standards. In 1994, Ortronics set a precedent in the industry with the introduction of the Category 5 modular 110 patch panel. That same year, the first Mighty Mo cable management system was introduced. The Mighty Mo product family, which was named after Mo Orlando, continues to innovate today with its latest Mighty Mo 20 rack system set to launch this month.”