Development history of TDK brand: from material innovation to global technology leader
1、 The starting point of technological entrepreneurship (1935, 1950)
In 1935, Tokyo Denkikagaku Kogyo K.K. (TDK) was established in Tokyo, Japan, with the core mission of addressing the urgent demand for magnetic materials in the electronics industry. The founding team developed Japan's first ferrite core based on the ferrite technology patents of professors Kato, Goro, and Takeshi Takei from Tokyo Institute of Technology. This material innovation has provided key components for wireless and communication equipment, establishing TDK's global technological position in the field of magnetic materials.
Core breakthrough: The commercial application of ferrite materials has become the core material for electronic components such as transformers and inductors, promoting the recovery of Japan's post-war electronics industry.
2、 The leader of the magnetic recording era (1960s, 1980s)
In 1966, TDK launched its first recording tape and quickly captured the market with its high fidelity and low noise characteristics. In the 1970s, the brand adopted the slogan "TDK: Believe in the Future" and deeply linked the brand with "high-quality audio and video experiences" by sponsoring sports events (such as the World Cup skiing competition) and cultural events (such as jazz music festivals).
Technical upgrade:
In 1978, Avilyn magnetic particle technology was developed to improve magnetic tape storage density;
In the 1980s, products such as videotapes and floppy disks were introduced, becoming the global leader in magnetic recording media and occupying approximately 60% of the global cassette market share.
Global layout: Establishing production bases in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia, with the brand logo "TDK" entering thousands of households through electronic product distribution networks.
3、 Crisis and Transformation: From Consumer Electronics to High End Components (1990s, 2010s)
In the 1990s, the digital wave impacted the traditional magnetic recording market. TDK breaks through bottlenecks through technology diversification strategy:
Mergers and acquisitions expansion: Acquiring German EPCOS (electronic components), American Lambda (power equipment) and other companies to strengthen passive component, sensor, and power module businesses;
Research and development focus: Developing products such as hard disk heads, multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), wireless charging modules, etc., and entering the supply chain of smartphones and automotive electronics;
Brand upgrade: In 2008, it was renamed "TDK Corporation", weakening the label of "tape manufacturer" and positioning itself as a "comprehensive electronic solution provider".
Achievement: By 2010, in car electronic components accounted for 30% of revenue, and MLCC market share ranked among the top five in the world.
4、 Towards the Future: Intelligence and Sustainable Innovation (2010s present)
TDK takes the Internet of Things (IoT), new energy, and AI as its strategic core:
Sensors and Energy Technology: Introducing MEMS sensors, solid-state batteries, and ultrasonic ToF sensors to serve smart home and autonomous driving scenarios;
Sustainable development: Developing rare earth free motor magnets and biodegradable materials, committing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035;
Cross border cooperation: Cooperate with Tesla, CATL and other companies to develop electric vehicle battery technology, acquire Swiss Qeexo company in 2022, and strengthen edge AI algorithm capabilities.
Market performance: In the fiscal year 2023, TDK's revenue exceeded 2 trillion yen, with automotive electronics and industrial equipment contributing over 50%, completing its transformation from a consumer brand to a B2B technology giant.
TDK's brand evolution logic
TDK's century long history embodies a dual wheel strategy of "technology driven+demand insight":
Rooted in materials science: from ferrites to nanomaterials, always building moats with bottom-up innovation;
Market foresight: Layout components and energy before the decline of magnetic recording to avoid the "Kodak style" crisis;
Global collaboration: Integrating technological resources through mergers and acquisitions to strengthen the discourse power of the industrial chain.
Nowadays, TDK continues to play a key role in the smart society and green economy with the vision of "Attracting Tomorrow".