The SPECTRA Group develops and markets a complete range of fun, contemporary and affordable consumer electronics products.  U.S.A. headquarters are in Chicago where marketing, administration, warehousing for domestic distribution, returned goods processing and product service are consolidated in one location. IMA-Hong Kong, Ltd. is the headquarters for our Far East operations, which include branch offices in Taiwan, Korea, and China.  Spectra was incorporated in 1981, primarily to expand the IMA calculator and audio business, which from 1969 had been known as International Merchandising Associates, Inc. or "IMA"

The Spectra Group maintains the flexibility to sell on a basis tailored to meet customer needs: Direct Import FOB Orient, Direct Ship FOB U.S. Port of Entry, or Out-of-Stock from the Chicago warehouse. Since 1969, we have sourced electronic products from Asia, and have extensive knowledge of the history of most electronic manufacturers. At any time a minimum quantity of merchandise is definitely required and when enough lead-time can be given, a cost saving will be realized with our direct import program.  

Spectra has many years of experience sourcing products to meet specific customer needs and  often custom designs product, cosmetics and packaging as directed. This has supported the successful diversification into RETAIL, PREMIUM and DIRECT MAIL accounts. Spectra has also developed primary expertise in multiple product categories for successful distribution of  over 200 products bearing owned brands IMA^®, (from 1992) SPECTRA^®, (from 1993) SPECTRA-PHONE^®, (from 1996) YOUTHTRONICS^®, (from 2000) COOLTRONIX^®, (from 2002) or customer owned brands.  From 2007 iJAM^® was applied to select audio models.  

During early 1998 Spectra acquired the license for the JENSEN^® brand on audio and video products, which are now developed and marketed by Spectra worldwide. Spectra's JENSEN^® line now successfully consists of about 100 audio and video products.  During 2006 WCES JENSEN^® Made for iPod, licensed by Apple, was launched with 6 models.  After extensive placement with spectacular sell-through, 2008 will begin with an expansion to 38 models!  

As of 2003 Spectra became the vendor of record for HELLO KITTY electronics.  During late 2003 came the introduction of STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE electronics.  For 2004, a line of STUDEBAKER retro electronics was debuted.  For 2007 American Idol Karaoke products were launched.  For 2008 a new line of TWEETY electronics is being introduced.  These businesses are as a result of an alliance formed with Marino Andriani.

IMA-Hong Kong, Ltd.

IMA-HONG KONG, LTD. is the Far East headquarters, responsible for sourcing, product development, production QA/QC and direct sales to customers outside North America.  When IMA in the U.S.A. was founded in 1969, the company pioneered direct import programs for U.S.A. based purchases of consumer electronics products from Japan.  It was evident at that time that Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea would soon emerge as competitive manufacturers of consumer electronics, and that an additional Far East base outside of Japan would be essential to the future development of the company.  In 1975 IMA-Hong Kong, Ltd. was established as the cornerstone of what has become a far more extensive operation.  IMA-Hong Kong, Ltd. has an outstanding commercial and financial reputation throughout Asia.  IMA provides engineering support and full time supervision of production being contracted for Spectra and also for distribution in various overseas markets, buying services for other companies, and quality control inspections of all shipments.  Extended operations include IMA China, IMA International Taiwan and a liaison office in Korea.  

IMA has developed comprehensive specification levels and quality control procedures for all relevant product categories, including packaging and marking.  Every shipment made is independently inspected by IMA’s own quality control staff usually at an AQL level of 1.5% major, 4% minor.   The continued pursuit of above average quality has effectively reduced customer return rates below the industry average with a consequential reduction in after sales service costs.