Exhibit 23a1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-36199), and the prospectus related thereto, of our report dated March 13, 2000 included in Merrimac Industries, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included in the prospectus. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP February 22, 2001 Roseland, New Jersey