, formerly , is a Japanese company that manufactures electronic materials, electronic components, and recording and data-storage media, and markets them globally. Their motto is "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity". The initials TDK come from the original Japanese name of the company: Tokyo Denki Kagaku (Tokyo Electric and Chemicals).

History

TDK was founded in Japan on 7 December 1935 to manufacture iron-based magnetic material ferrite, which had been recently invented by Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei. In 1952 they began production of magnetic tapes, with compact cassette tapes following in 1966; it is for these that the company is most widely noted. TDK also manufactures an extensive portfolio of magnetic and optical media, including several formats of videotape and blank CD-R and recordable DVD discs. TDK also now manufactures USB flash drives.

Industry trends see the company moving into new forms of media; in 2004 TDK was the first media-manufacturer to join the companies developing BD post-DVD technology.

Operations in the USA began in 1965 with a New York office, and European operations began in 1970 with an office in Frankfurt, West Germany.

In the 90's TDK's Mass Storage Division included brushless DC spindle motors, MR heads and thin-film heads.

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

The company operates a museum dedicated to the technologies with which it is involved, at its Hirasawa plant in Japan.

Since June 2006, Takehiro Kamigama has been president, having been nominated by his predecessor, Hajime Sawabe, who currently serves as chairman.

In late 2007, Imation bought TDK's recording business. The deal, which covers media properties such as flash media, optical media, magnetic tape, and accessories, was for $300 million. TDK remains in existence as a separate company, with its research and development, manufacturing and OEM portions.

Sponsorship

From 1993 to 1998, TDK were the sponsors of the English football team 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 also sponsored Dutch giant Ajax for several years in 1980s. It is a current sponsor of the IAAF World Championships in Athletics. It also sponsors activities and events such as those at The Cross nightclub in Central London, and since 1990 has had a prominent neon sign at Piccadilly Circus. TDK has their own football club, based in Nikaho, Akita.

References and notes