• Completion of construction of mother bases for state-of-the-art manufacturing in Akita, focusing on the expansion of business through the IoT (Internet of Things)
• Development of new styles of manufacturing from the perspective of quality enhancement to realize zero defects.
• Strengthening manufacturing in the electronic components business as a driving force behind TDK’s growth strategies

Oct. 6, 2016

TDK Corporation (President & CEO: Shigenao Ishiguro) announced that construction has been completed on the two manufacturing wings that will serve as the new manufacturing strongholds for electronic components in Akita Prefecture: the East Wing on the Honjo Factory premises in Manganji, Yurihonjo City, and the East Wing on Inakura Factory in Nikaho City.

Demand for electronic components is rising year by year, reflecting the explosive proliferation of smartphones and other devices on a global scale in the ICT market. In addition to this demand for smartphones, the functions of electronic components are likely to be expanded for use in not only electronic equipment, but in all industry fields such as automobiles and industrial machinery through the IoT (Internet of Things). We expect to see electronic components play an even larger role in these new growth markets.

The two new wings will serve as state-of-the-art production bases of the mother factries located in Akita, helping to strengthen TDK’s manufacturing of electronic components on a global scale. Applying the two concepts of Industry 4.0 and manufacturing that provides for zero defects and improved quality , electronic components will be manufactured in the new wing of the Honjo Factory, while the magnetic materials used in electronic components will be produced in the new wing of the Inakura Factory.

In addition, the two new wings are designed to realize a high level of energy efficiency. For example, taking advantage of the winter weather in Akita Prefecture, accumulated snow will be stored to help increase the cold energy recovery. Solar panels are installed on the rooftop of the Honjo Factory East Wing, and they have the capacity to provide electricity for up to 70% of the electricity consumed to light the entire factory. The two new wings are designed to provide comfortable working environments for employees, including snow melting systems in the parking lots and in-factory arcades, and are expected to play a part as eco-friendly, next-generation model factories.

The installation of production equipment in the two new wings will start soon, and operations are expected to start by the end of 2016. Each new production line represents a departure from conventional manufacturing, and will be equipped with cutting-edge facilities and systems that bring together TDK’s unique manufacturing technology.

TDK celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding on December 7, 2015. We were the first manufacturer in Japan to mass-produce ferrite, a magnetic material, and have contributed to the development of electronic equipment around the world. We will continue our efforts to constantly create new forms of technological innovation and bring about a production revolution as well as achieve quality improvement. Through these efforts we will provide new products from Akita in a timely manner to customers all around the world, ensuring greater customer satisfaction and thereby helping to further the development of electronic equipment in the future.

Overview of new wings

Honjo Factory East Wing

1.	Construction site	1-6, Manganji, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture
2.	Total floor space	Approximately 50,000 square meters
3.	Building structure	Two stories
4.	Main business	Development, design and manufacturing of electronic components such as high-frequency components and piezo components
5.	Start of construction	July 2015
6.	Completion	September 2016
7.	Start of mass production	End of 2016 (planned)

Honjo Factory East Wing

　

Inakura Factory East Wing

1.	Construction site	4-3, Kisakata-machi Tateishi, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture
2.	Total floor space	Approximately 15,000 square meters
3.	Building structure	Partly two stories
4.	Main business	Development, design and manufacturing of ferrite materials and ferrite cores
5.	Start of construction	July 2015
6.	Completion	August 2016
7.	Start of mass production	End of 2016 (planned)

Inakura Factory East Wing