As a globally leading circuit protection brand, Littelfuse has undergone a leapfrog development from a single product to a diversified technology layout since its establishment in 1927. Its history can be summarized as the following stages:
1、 Start up and Core Business Foundation (1927-2000)
In 1927, founder Edward V. Sundt founded Lite on in Chicago, USA, and invented the first small fast melting fuse to protect precision testing instruments from overcurrent damage. This innovation laid the foundation for Lite On in the field of circuit protection.
In the early days, Lite focused on fuse research and development, gradually expanding its product line to the automotive, electronics, and industrial fields. By the end of the 20th century, Lite On had established the world's most comprehensive circuit protection product portfolio, including fuses, TVS diodes (transient suppression diodes), varistors, etc., covering overvoltage and overcurrent protection needs. Its brand positioning as the world's first circuit protection brand is gradually gaining market recognition.
2、 Technological Expansion and Global Layout (2000-2012)
Entering the 21st century, Lite On accelerated its expansion through a dual track strategy of acquisition and independent research and development. For example, the acquisition of Cornell Dubilier in 2006 enhanced the technological strength of transient voltage suppression devices; In 2009, a wafer fab was established in Wuxi, China to enhance the production capacity of semiconductor components.
At the same time, Lite On has established multiple production bases and sales networks in Asia, including factories in Suzhou, Wuxi, Dongguan, as well as offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, to achieve localized production and rapid response. By 2012, the Asian market had contributed 40% of its global sales, with China becoming a key growth engine.
3、 Diversification Strategy and the "Three Horsemen" Architecture (2013 present)
In 2013, Lite On released a five-year strategic plan (2013-2017), which clearly proposed three core business directions: circuit protection, power control, and sensors, with the goal of doubling sales through technological innovation and acquisitions.
Circuit protection: Continuously consolidating traditional advantages, launching high-end products such as AK series TVS diodes, which are applied in scenarios such as telecommunications base stations and power grid systems, replacing traditional bulky lightning protection modules.
Power Control: By acquiring companies such as Hamlin, we develop products such as power thyristors and relays to serve the fields of industrial motor control and green energy.
Sensors: Focusing on the automotive and industrial markets, we have launched magnetic sensors, current sensing resistors, etc. to support the needs of smart cars and IoT devices.
At this stage, the sensor business started from scratch and accounted for 14% of sales by 2013, and is seen as a growth point beyond circuit protection in the future.
4、 Intelligence and Sustainable Development (Recent Trends)
In recent years, Lite has further integrated intelligent technology, such as developing intelligent digital hydraulic wrenches and bolt fastening cloud platform systems, to promote digitalization of industrial installation (note: this product was developed by Nanjing Lite Hydraulic Technology Co., Ltd., not related to the American Lite Group, but reflecting the innovation of the same named enterprise in a segmented field).
At the same time, Lite emphasizes green energy and safety regulations, and its products are widely used in new energy fields such as solar energy and wind power, such as providing surge protection solutions for LED lighting and photovoltaic systems.
5、 Global influence and future vision
As of 2023, Lite On has factories and research and development centers in 15 countries worldwide, serving over 100000 customers. Its products cover 17 major categories including fuses, sensors, and power monitoring. Its strategic goal is to become a leader in the field of power control and sensors through continuous innovation and acquisition integration, and to promote the development of circuit protection technology towards higher precision and intelligence.
The development process of Lite On reflects the transformation from a single product to a diversified technology ecosystem, and its success is attributed to three pillars: technological innovation, global layout, and strategic acquisitions. In the future, with the explosion of the Internet of Things, new energy and other fields, Lite On may continue to lead the technological innovation of the electronic components industry with "protection, control, and perception" as its core.