TDK invests in 2X increased production capacity for TMR magnetic sensors

The new investment will significantly increase production capacity of TDK’s TMR magnetic sensors in response to growing demand from automotive, consumer and industrial sectors
The resulting expansion of production volume will increase the output of sensor units by approx. 2X

April 27, 2023

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) has announced that it will increase the production capacity at its TDK Asama Techno Factory (Saku-shi, Nagano, Japan) to strengthen its TMR magnetic sensor production system in response to increasing demand. The production volume after this investment will be approximately 2 times the current monthly production from the first half of 2025.

TDK’s TMR magnetic sensors, leveraging the company’s magnetic and thin-film technology expertise developed over many years, boast high precision, high reliability and excellent temperature characteristics, and enable stable operation. For this reason, they have become the preferred sensors used by the automotive industry in applications that require precision, reliability and safety, such as angle sensors for assist motor control and brake booster motor control in electric power steering (EPS), current sensors for battery charge/discharge control, etc. Additionally, the sensors are also widely used in robots, smartphones, and other consumer products because of their lower-power consumption. Demand is growing for angle sensors and current sensors for automotive applications, while industrial equipment manufacturers have demonstrated similar activity.

The TDK Asama Techno Factory has historically been an important center utilizing the cutting-edge magnetic technology that represents TDK’s heritage. It was previously a manufacturing center for wafers for HDD magnetic heads, undergoing a significant business portfolio transformation in 2014 to achieve the successful commercialization of TMR magnetic sensors for automotive and other applications.

Against the backdrop of medium-to-long term increasing demand from multiple market sectors, TDK’s current move to aggressively increase its production capacity at the Asama Techno Factory will enable it to increase its value to global customers and partners looking to utilize TDK TMR magnetic sensor technology in current products and new applications.

About Asama Techno

Address: 543 Otai, Saku-shi, Nagano

Main business: Development/manufacturing of TMR magnetic sensors for automotive and ICT applications. Since its establishment in 1986, the Asama Techno Factory led the development and production of magnetic heads for HDDs. In 2014, it transformed its business portfolio, shifting to the development and manufacturing of magnetic sensors for automotive and ICT applications. Aiming to be a core factory for TDK’s global magnetic sensor business, the Asama Techno Factory utilizes TDK’s advanced thin-film technology developed over many years. The factory provides magnetic sensor packages and module products in collaboration with related plants while also manufacturing wafers for sensors.

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About TDK Corportation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2022, TDK posted total sales of USD 15.6 billion and employed about 117,000 people worldwide.