E. F. Johnson Company

Overview

E. F. Johnson Company was one of the most significant American manufacturers of radio communications equipment. Founded in 1923 by Edgar F. Johnson in Waseca, Minnesota, the company produced radio components, amateur radio transmitters, CB radios, mobile radio systems, and public safety communications equipment.

The company became particularly well known among amateur radio operators for its Viking line of transmitters and among CB enthusiasts for its Messenger series. Over time, E. F. Johnson transitioned from amateur and consumer communications products into professional land-mobile radio systems serving public safety, government, military, and commercial users.

Today, the company continues as EF Johnson Technologies, a subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD and a manufacturer of Project 25 (P25) public safety communications systems.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Company Name	E. F. Johnson Company
Founder	Edgar F. Johnson
Founded	October 10, 1923
Headquarters	Waseca, Minnesota, USA
Industry	Radio Communications Equipment
Primary Products	Radio Components, Amateur Radio Equipment, CB Radios, Land-Mobile Radio Systems
Notable Product Lines	Viking, Messenger
Successor	EF Johnson Technologies
Current Ownership	JVCKENWOOD

Description

The company began as a mail-order supplier of radio transmitting parts for amateur radio operators and broadcasters. During the 1930s and World War II era, E. F. Johnson expanded into manufacturing electronic components and communications equipment.

Following World War II, the company became one of the leading American manufacturers of amateur radio transmitters. The Viking series, including models such as the Viking I, Viking II, Ranger, Valiant, Pacemaker, and Thunderbolt, became widely used by amateur operators throughout North America.

During the CB radio boom of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, E. F. Johnson produced the popular Messenger series of transceivers. The Johnson Messenger became one of the best-known American-made CB radios of its era and remains highly collectible today.

In later years, the company focused increasingly on land-mobile radio systems, trunked radio networks, digital radio technology, and public safety communications equipment.

History

Edgar F. Johnson founded the company in Waseca, Minnesota, on October 10, 1923. The business began as a mail-order supplier of radio parts and transmitting equipment serving amateur radio operators and broadcasters.

As the company grew, it expanded into manufacturing radio components and complete communications equipment. By the 1930s, E. F. Johnson had established a reputation for producing rugged and reliable equipment suitable for both amateur and commercial applications.

During World War II, the company expanded significantly as demand for communications equipment increased. Following the war, E. F. Johnson entered what many consider its golden age with the introduction of the Viking amateur radio product line.

The company entered the Citizens Band market during the 1950s and became one of the leading manufacturers of CB radio equipment. Messenger series radios were widely used throughout North America and became one of the company’s most recognizable product lines.

During the 1980s and 1990s, E. F. Johnson shifted its focus toward professional communications systems and public safety radio networks. The company became an early developer of trunked radio systems and later Project 25 (P25) digital public safety communications technology.

In 1997, E. F. Johnson was acquired by Transcrypt International. The company’s headquarters moved from Waseca, Minnesota, to Irving, Texas, in 2005.

In 2014, EF Johnson became part of JVCKENWOOD. Today, the company continues to manufacture public safety communications equipment used by law enforcement, fire, EMS, military, and government organizations.

Historical Addresses