18 Facts About TDK

TDK Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics corporation that manufactures electronic components and recording and data-storage media.

TDK is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indices.

TDK was founded by Kenzo Saito in Tokyo, Japan, on 7 December 1935 to manufacture the iron-based magnetic material ferrite, which had been recently invented by Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei.

TDK manufactured an extensive portfolio of magnetic and optical media, including several formats of videotape and blank CD-R and recordable DVD discs until the recording business was sold to Imation in 2007.

TDK produced five million ferrite cores through 1945 that were primarily used to reduce the volume and weight of radio receivers used by the Imperial Japanese military.

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In 1980, TDK developed a multilayering technology to create chip capacitors and inductors used in personal computers, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices.

In 1986, TDK acquired SAE Magnetics and introduced high-density recording heads.

Since 1997, TDK has gradually withdrawn from the production of compact cassettes.

In 2004 TDK was the first media manufacturer to join the companies developing BD post-DVD technology.

TDK operated a semiconductor division in California for about a decade, but divested it in 2005.

In late 2007, Imation acquired marketing and sales operations for TDK brand recording media, including flash media, optical media, magnetic tape, and accessories, for $300 million.

Since the 2000s, TDK has focussed on the development, manufacture and sales of electronic components, HDD heads and suspension, and power supplies.

Since acquiring numerous companies and sharpening its product line focus in recent years, TDK has begun building a portfolio of varying sensors, actuators and power electronic components through these brands.

TDK has sponsored the IAAF World Championships in Athletics since the 1983 inaugural event in Helsinki.

TDK sponsored Ajax for several years in the 1980s during which it won UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1987.

From 1993 to 1999, TDK were the sponsors of the English football club Crystal Palace, who were promoted to the Premier League twice during this era, though lasting for just one season before being relegated on both occasions.

TDK was a minor sponsor of the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Team during the early 1990s.

Since 2001, TDK has supported performances of some of the world's distinguished orchestras in Japan within the company's "TDK Orchestra Concerts" program.