The brand development history of Vishay can be traced back to 1962, where its growth integrated technological innovation and strategic mergers and acquisitions, gradually becoming a leader in the global electronic components field. The following are its key development stages and core milestones:
1、 Establishment and Technology Foundation Period (1962-1980)
In 1962, physicist Dr. Felix Zandman founded Wessex in Pennsylvania, USA, with the revolutionary Bulk Metal as its core product ® Foil resistance. This technology originated from his research on PhotoStress coatings in the 1950s ®） The research has ultra-high precision (± 0.001%) and temperature stability (0.2ppm/℃), making it a fundamental component in high-end fields such as aerospace and military.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the company expanded into the field of foil resistance strain gauges, and the related technology was invented by Zandman's colleague J.E. Starr, establishing a leading position in the precision measurement market. The company name "Vishay" is derived from the Lithuanian hometown of Zandman and investor Alfred Slaner, in memory of the family members who died in the Holocaust.
2、 Strategic Acquisition and Business Expansion Period (1985, 2007)
Passive component field
Since 1985: In order to break through the limitations of niche markets and initiate large-scale acquisitions:
Dale Electronics, Draloric Electronics, Sfernice: Expand passive component product lines such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
In the 1990s, we acquired Sprague, Roederstein, and Vitramon to strengthen key production capacities such as tantalum capacitors and thin-film capacitors.
In 2002, acquired BC Components (formerly Philips Passive Division) and became a market leader in Europe and Asia.
Semiconductor field
1997, 2007: Entered the discrete semiconductor market:
Acquiring equity of LiteOn Power Semiconductor (1997) and TEMIC semiconductor business (including Telefunken and Siliconix brands, 1998), laying the foundation for diode and MOSFET technology.
In 2001, Infineon integrated infrared components with General Semiconductor to become one of the world's top discrete semiconductor manufacturers.
In 2007, we acquired a portion of the international rectifier (IR) product line to enhance our competitiveness in power modules.
3、 Vertical Integration and New Development Directions (2002, 2005)
Sensor business integration:
In 2002, six sensing companies including Sensortronics and TedeaHuntleigh were acquired to form Vishay Measurements Group, which achieved full chain coverage from strain gauges to weighing systems and became the world's largest supplier of pressure measuring components.
Explore emerging fields:
In 2004, RFWaves, a wireless chip design company, was acquired to lay out the Internet of Things and wireless communication markets, reflecting the strategy of "incubating innovation".
4、 Globalization Layout and Chinese Market Expansion
Manufacturing Network: 69 production bases have been established in 17 countries worldwide, with 7 factories located in China (Tianjin, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Xi'an, etc.). For example, Tianjin VGSC, established in 1995, focuses on diodes and rectifiers, with over 2300 employees.
Localization of Technology:
In 2017, we collaborated with our agent Kaibu Electronics to establish a precision center in Shenzhen. We localized the production of Z1Coil foil resistors (0.2ppm/℃ temperature drift) and shortened the supply cycle to 72 hours, serving high-end needs such as military and petroleum instruments.
5、 Continuous technological innovation and brand positioning
Evolution of Four Generations of Foil Resistors:
C alloy (1962) → K alloy (1982) → Z alloy (2002) → Z1Coil (2011), with a working temperature of 175 ℃ and a long-term stability improvement of 100%.
The concept of "technology genes":
Positioned as' The DNA of Technology ', our products cover tens of thousands of components such as diodes, capacitors, sensors, etc., supporting trends such as automotive electrification, 5G, and industrial automation.
Weishi has developed from a single resistor manufacturer to the world's largest supplier of discrete semiconductors and passive components through a dual engine strategy of "independent research and development+precise mergers and acquisitions". Its core advantages lie in:
Technical depth: 55 years of uninterrupted foil resistors represent ultimate reliability;
Vertical integration: full chain control from strain gauges to weighing systems;
Global response: Production bases and research and development centers radiate across three continents.
Nowadays, Weishi components are embedded in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and medical, becoming an indispensable "gene level" force in the modern electronics industry.