I enjoy doing these types of topics looking back at companies that were once household names and how they have transformed themselves out of a need for survival and to stay relevant. We know the mistakes the likes of Kodak, Blackberry and Nokia made even though Nokia and Kodak are still operating today on a much smaller scale doing slightly different things.
I am sure some of you will remember the name TDK as it was a leader in the manufacture and supply of cassette tapes. TDK was the company that developed and created the first cassette tape used for music so the company has always been innovative and not a follower of trends as they create the trends. What killed their product was the arrival of the compact disc which we all knew as CD's. This was in 1982/3 and by the late 1980's had replaced vinyl records and tape cassettes. Up till that point TDK was a household name and TDK tapes were known for their quality. TDK just disappeared, but the good news is they are still around and thriving and the chances are rather high you may have TDK items or components in your home.
The company today employs over 100 000 people which is a long way from where they first started out in Japan with 3 people back in 1935. On the TDK site they have a time line diagram from the very beginning and I would recommend everyone to take a quick look here.
Where the company has managed to stay ahead of the game they have played close attention to where technology has been heading and invested or partnered (take over) other companies who could help them. TDK had always been involved with some type of component for the music and recording industry which they eventually sold off in 2014. This was a change of direction and lead them to concentrate their focus on the latest technology.
In the mean time what TDK did was acquire companies along the way like Amperex Technology (2005) a lithium battery manufacturer. Today TDK is the largest smart phone battery supplier in the world. In 2008 they bought another company called EPCOS a German electronic device manufacturer. This is how they have grown and expanded their TDK empire by adding key companies to their portfolio.
Not are they a leading manufacturer globally of electric components but also they have got involved with Artificial Intelligence. This is where the world was heading and they knew they had to be involved. In the years of 2016 and 2017 TFK bought 4 sensor companies which allowed them to dominate this sector. From heat sensors, health monitoring sensors and now AI sensors on automated machines which includes Electric Vehicle components. TDK developed the thin film power inductors used for automotive power circuits used in electric vehicles.
When you look at the companies history in the picture above you can see sensors are a big part of their business today. They acquired these companies and took them down a route developing products that would be required in the future. This is what one would call a great foresight and investment strategy because they have managed to stay out in front of where technology is moving to next. TDK is listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America so they are definitely on their way back.
Who would ever imagine a manufacturer of music/sound devices and components would end up supplying batteries for smart phones and sensors for EV's and a whole host of other vital components. I do think if you have an innovative out set and are always doing research and development you will be at the front of the queue when the next trend hits and they have been doing this since 1935. TDK is way bigger than I could have ever imagined and I find their story rather impressive and highlights what is possible with the right people guiding the ship.