Why CDI?
About CDI Electronics
For more than 30 years, CDI Electronics has provided value and lowest cost of ownership by supporting the marine and motor sport industry. Our commitment is to continue to be the proven solution provider. We also believe it is our duty to train the marine industry to diagnose and install ignition products. See our Training and Service areas to learn more. Our products are Designed and Manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama.
Our Vision
To be the recognized leader in electronic ignition components providing value to our customers through superior design, quality, reliability and service.
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, the need for Rapair’s services grew rapidly. In 1995, the company decided 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
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 is acquired by new owners and the name changed to CDI Electronics Inc. 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 replacement parts. |
2000 | Rapair adds another 10,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space to meet growing business needs. This brings the facility to over 30,000 square feet. |
1999 | Rapair more than doubles its distributor network, becoming the worlds leading after-market manufacturer of outboard ignition products. |
1995 | Rapair established its new product division called CDI Electronics and began marketing new ignition products under the trade name of “Quick Strike Ignitions”. |
1993 | Additional product lines and business growth drive new expansion of manufacturing facility. |
1990 | Fluke Corp. chooses Rapair as their first marine distributor of Fluke meters. |
1990 | Company introduces a line of test equipment along with all of the necessary adapters to be used on Outboard Engines. This represents the first true marine meter |
1989 | Rapair becomes authorized distribution center for Stevens Instruments. |
1988 | Rapair introduces the industries first “Two Year Warranty” on all ignitions. |
1988 | Rapair conducts the first “Marine Technical Seminar”. This annual program will become 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 10,000 square foot building in Madison,Alabama to support its rapid growth. |
1982 | The company begins business as Rapair Incorporated. They are the first electronics company to re-manufacture marine electronic ignitions providing a practical, cost effective alternative to OEM replacement parts. |