About CDI Electronics

About CDI Electronics

For more than 35 years, CDI Electronics has provided value and lowest cost-of-ownership to the marine and motorsport industry. Our commitment is to provide superior ignition and diagnostic solutions to engine users and manufacturers throughout the world. We also believe it is our duty to educate and train industry technicians to diagnose and install ignition products. Our products are designed and manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama.

Our Vision

CDI/Balmar strives to be a Leading Producer of Electronic Engine and DC Charging Components for Marine and Industrial Applications; providing Value to our customers through design, product quality, reliability, delivery, service and support.

Company History

CDI was founded in 1982 as Rapair Incorporated. Rapair was initially engaged in providing repair services for outboard ignitions. Working first out of a rented garage in Madison, Alabama, demand for Rapair’s services grew rapidly. In 1995, the company began to design, develop and manufacture their own line of replacement ignition components under the brand name of CDI Electronics. Rapair had learned nearly everything that could go wrong with an electronic ignition, and they incorporated that knowledge into their improved designs. As a result, CDI Ignitions quickly earned a reputation as a reliable, cost effective alternative for OEM-supplied components. Rapair’s founders retired and sold the business to new partners in March 2007. The business name was changed to CDI Electronics Inc. to improve brand recognition. CDI’s new owners brought professional management expertise and years of marine industry experience to improve CDI’s operating performance and worldwide distribution network.  The journey consummated in 2014 when CDI achieved ISO 9001 Certification and also acquired Balmar to expand its reach to inboard DC charging systems.

Company Milestones

2020
CDI/Balmar introduces the XT-Series alternator for Wakeboard and Wakesurfing applications, winning new production contracts at Malibu Boats and Indmar Products.
2019
Balmar introduces the revolutionary SG200 Battery Monitor.
2019
CDI adds support for SeaDoo (Rotax) engines for the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2017
CDI adds support for Mercury G3 Engines for the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2015 CDI adds support for Honda outboard and Volvo-Penta diesel engines to the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2014 CDI Electronics acquires Balmar, a maker of High Power DC Charging Systems for the Marine Industry.
2014 CDI Electronics achieves ISO 9001 Certification.
2013 CDI adds support for CANbus engine platforms starting with MEFI 4b, 5, 5d & 6 inboard and stern drive ignitions to the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2012 CDI Electronics acquires and relocates to a new home with over 45,000 square feet of space. (see photo above)
2011 CDI adds support for MEFI inboard and stern drive ignitions to the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2011 CDI hires lean manufacturing expertise and begins a “lean implementation” for shop floor efficiency and improved on-time delivery. CDI’s on-time delivery record improves to over 95%.
2010 CDI adds support for BRP and Suzuki ignitions to the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2009 CDI adds support for Yamaha ignitions to the M.E.D.S. diagnostic platform.
2008 CDI Electronics introduces M.E.D.S. Diagnostic Software, the industry’s first multi-platform diagnostic tool for independent marine technicians. Initial support introduced for Mercury and Mercruiser engines.
2007 CDI Electronics embarks on a multi-year program to improve documentation, quality control and manufacturing systems for ISO compliance.
2007 Rapair Incorporated is acquired by new owners and the company name is changed to CDI Electronics to improve brand recognition.
2005 Rapair introduces it’s own line of digital meters. These meters meet standards necessary for testing outboard marine engines at competitive prices.
2004 Quick Strike Pro Series line of performance products is introduced, offering improved performance to the casual (non-racing) boater. Hotter spark and quicker response times provide improved reliability and life compared to standard parts.
2000 Rapair adds another 10,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space to meet growing business needs. The addition brings Rapair’s facility to over 30,000 square feet.
1999 Rapair doubles its distributor network, becoming the world’s leading after-market manufacturer of outboard ignition products.
1995 Rapair establishes a new product division called CDI Electronics and begins marketing manufactured ignition products under the trade name of “Quick Strike Ignitions.”
1993 Additional product lines and business growth drive new expansion of manufacturing facility.
1990 Rapair introduces a line of test equipment along with all of the necessary adapters to be used on outboard engines. Fluke Corp. chooses Rapair as their first marine distributor of Fluke meters.
1989 Rapair becomes an authorized distribution center for Stevens Instruments.
1988 Rapair introduces the industry’s first “Two Year Warranty” on all ignitions.
1988 Rapair conducts the first “Marine Technical Seminar.” This annual program becomes the National Marine Service Expo trade show to introduce technicians to the latest products and services.
1987 Rapair’s continued growth necessitates a 10,000 square foot addition to the manufacturing plant.
1985 Rapair builds a 10,000 square foot building in Madison, Alabama to support its rapid growth.
1982 The company begins business as Rapair Incorporated. Rapair is the first electronics company to re-manufacture marine electronic ignitions, providing a practical, cost effective alternative to OEM replacement parts.