Biography"The Western Electric Company was an American electrical engineering and manufacturing company that was officially founded in 1869 and, as a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T for most of its lifespan, served as the primary equipment manufacturer, supplier, and purchasing agent for the Bell System from 1881 to 1984 when it was dismantled. The company was responsible for many technological innovations, including the development of the transistor, as well as seminal developments in industrial management."--Wikipedia