KLA Laboratories Celebrates 95th Anniversary

Founded in 1929, KLA Laboratories, Inc. celebrates its 95th year in business in 2024.

Dearborn, MI / Dearborn, Michigan based KLA Laboratories, Inc., a 95-year-old family-owned firm providing a range of information technology systems, proudly celebrates its 95th year of business. 

KLA is a Dearborn-based technology systems integrator providing the design, installation, and commissioning of A/V Systems, Networks, WiFi, Carrier and Private 5G Networks, Infrastructure and Broadcast Cabling, Data Center Infrastructure, and Network Monitoring and Maintenance.  KLA also provides Audio/Visual Productions for live events, including concerts, corporate meetings, and game-day support for NFL and MLB teams.  The company serves clients across the globe, spanning 12 countries, with a focus on industries such as manufacturing, sports and entertainment, and hospitality, among others. 

KLA Laboratories was founded in 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, as a retail store providing early public address systems, microphones, speakers, sound system rentals, and radio repair services. During WWII, KLA provided audio rental systems to support the war effort during War Bond drives. In the late 1950s and the boom of the Hi-Fi audio era, KLA had nine retail locations in Michigan and installed systems in churches, bars, restaurants, stadiums, and manufacturing plants.

James “Pat” O’Bryan began his career at KLA in 1947 in charge of public address system sales. Pat started buying stock in the company in the mid-1950s and gained a controlling interest in KLA in 1964. In the late 1960s, KLA’s commercial business was booming and in 1973, the company closed its retail locations and moved its headquarters to Dearborn, Michigan, to better serve its large enterprise clients. KLA began installing early computer networking equipment for large automotive manufacturers while still providing large-scale sound reinforcement systems in the Pontiac Silverdome, Tiger Stadium, and later, the Palace of Auburn Hills. Upon Pat’s passing in 1991, his wife, Norma O’Bryan, took over the reins of the company along with her children, Don, Mary, and Matt O’Bryan. In 2002, Matt O’Bryan was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, KLA has grown into a team of over 300 employees spread across North America and has remained a leader in technology integration.

“Celebrating 95 years in business is truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said Matt O’Bryan, President and CEO of KLA Laboratories. “I’m so grateful to our clients and our dedicated team who have contributed to our success and this milestone achievement. Since the company was founded, KLA has always aimed to deliver high-quality, forward-thinking, and innovative solutions for our customers, and I am confident in saying that this is still at the forefront of KLA’s business 95 years later.”

About KLA Laboratories

Established in 1929, KLA Laboratories is a projects and services company integrating advanced technology solutions for Wireless Networks, 5G Cellular, IT Networks, A/V Technologies, Network Cabling, and Audio/Visual Productions. From concept to completion, KLA Laboratories prides itself on detailed design, consulting, project management, and on-time completion for any size project, anywhere. For more information, follow KLA on social media or visit www.klalabs.com

Media Contact

Kelly Chimento
kchimento@klalabs.com
313-846-3800