FDK

Basic Information

Stock Code
6955
Industry
Electrical Machinery
Category Detail
Manufacturing Machinery & Electrical Equipment
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
February 1950
Listing Year
October 1969
Official Website
https://www.fdk.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Nippon Kodoshi, Central Glass, Kanto Denka Kogyo, TANAKA Chemical, Nikkato, Mitsui Mining & Smelting, Double Scope, GS Yuasa Corporation, Japan Aviation Electronics, Furukawa Battery, Nozaki Paper

Overview

FDK is a battery and electronic components manufacturer founded in 1950, part of the Furukawa Group, and a leading industry player with diverse battery technologies and strong OEM supply capabilities.

Current Situation

FDK recorded consolidated sales of approximately 62.7 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2024, maintaining stable revenue. Its core primary and secondary battery business leverages advanced technology to offer a wide range of products from automotive batteries to household dry batteries, with numerous OEM clients. In recent years, it has focused on technological innovations such as the mass production of all-solid-state batteries SoLiCell to strengthen competitiveness. Now under Taiwan's PSA Group, its financial base is stable. In sustainability, it is advancing improvements in continuous discharge performance and the adoption of environmentally friendly packaging. Additionally, it has an extensive sales network and strong partnerships with domestic and international electronics manufacturers, planning expansion in anticipation of growth in the electrification market. Competitors include GS Yuasa Corporation and Furukawa Battery, among others, with ongoing challenges in differentiating through high technological capabilities and product development.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The company name FDK originates from its former name Fuji Denki Kagaku.
  • Previously marketed dry batteries under the FUJI NOVEL brand.
  • Shares the same founding name as TDK but is a separate company with no relation.
  • OEM supply clients for dry batteries include Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric, and other major firms.
  • Pioneer in niche mass production of all-solid-state batteries in the battery industry.
  • Technological capability to OEM supply multilayer lithium batteries.
  • Operates sales subsidiaries in China, Taiwan, the US, Germany, and elsewhere.
  • One of the core battery companies in the Furukawa Group.
  • Manufactures a wide range of electronic products including chargers and flashlights.
  • Panasonic's eneloop is an OEM product manufactured by FDK.

Hidden Connections

  • Taiwan's PSA Group company became the major shareholder and acquired management control.
  • Capital and business collaboration with other Furukawa Group battery makers (Furukawa Battery).
  • Collaborative relationships across various areas as a Fujitsu Group affiliate.
  • Acquired Toshiba Battery business equipment to strengthen production base.
  • Succeeded Sanyo Electric's nickel-metal hydride battery business and expanded it.
  • Supplies products to multiple major retailers and manufacturers' dry battery brands via OEM.
  • Official OEM supplier for Tamiya's Mini 4WD batteries.
  • Continuously develops proprietary battery technologies to improve product performance.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Market development for next-generation batteries like all-solid-state batteries
  • Increasing demand for automotive batteries due to vehicle electrification
  • Global expansion of demand for high-performance electronic components
  • Spread of sustainable technologies and strengthened environmental regulations
  • Diversification of OEM clients and acquisition of new customers

Strategic Goals

  • Establish technology leadership centered on mass production of all-solid-state batteries
  • Develop products with further improved continuous discharge performance
  • Achieve over 70% ratio of eco-friendly products
  • Expand overseas sales ratio to over 50%
  • Global expansion and enhancement of stable supply system

Business Segments

Automotive Batteries

Overview
Business centered on hybrid battery systems for automobiles.
Competitiveness
High reliability and technological expertise in automotive batteries
Customers
  • Automobile Manufacturers
  • Automotive Parts Suppliers
  • Secondary Battery Manufacturers
Products
  • Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
  • Lithium-Ion Capacitors
  • High-Performance Energy Storage Devices

Industrial Batteries & Energy Storage Systems

Overview
Provides high-performance batteries and energy storage modules for industrial use, contributing to stable power supply.
Competitiveness
High-output and long-life battery technology
Customers
  • Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
  • Energy Management Companies
  • Electronics Manufacturers
Products
  • Lithium-Ion Capacitor Modules
  • Secondary Battery Systems
  • Specialty Batteries

Electronic Components Manufacturing

Overview
Supports the high functionalization of electronic devices through the manufacture of various electronic components.
Competitiveness
Integrated production system for diverse electronic components
Customers
  • Communication Equipment Manufacturers
  • Home Appliance Manufacturers
  • Semiconductor Manufacturers
Products
  • Ferrite Cores
  • High-Frequency Devices
  • Capacitors

OEM Supply Business

Overview
OEM production of high-quality batteries for external brands to meet a wide range of needs.
Competitiveness
Proven track record in mass production and stable supply
Customers
  • Home Appliance Retailers
  • Major Battery Brands
  • Specialty Manufacturers
Products
  • Dry Batteries
  • Rechargeable Batteries
  • Dedicated Storage Batteries

Lighting & Flashlight Manufacturing

Overview
Designs and manufactures dry battery and rechargeable flashlights.
Competitiveness
High-durability LED technology and lightweight design
Customers
  • Outdoor Gear Manufacturers
  • Disaster Preparedness Companies
  • Retailers
Products
  • LED Flashlights
  • Rechargeable Lights
  • Household Lights

Accessories Manufacturing

Overview
Offers a wide range of electrical accessories for home and business use.
Competitiveness
Safety and ease of use
Customers
  • Home Appliance Retailers
  • Retail Chains
  • Electrical Equipment Traders
Products
  • Extension Cords
  • Power Strips
  • Earphones

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced battery technology and manufacturing expertise
  • Wide lineup of diverse battery types
  • Extensive OEM supply track record
  • Global sales network
  • Strong support from Furukawa Group
  • Development capabilities in next-generation technologies like solid-state batteries
  • Stable financial base and sound finances
  • Manufacturing capabilities for diverse electronic components
  • Active product development for environmental compliance
  • Long industry experience and reliability

Competitive Advantages

  • High technological expertise and quality control in automotive battery market
  • Product customization to meet diverse customer needs
  • Robust OEM partnership system
  • Adoption of proprietary passivation block technology for enhanced continuous discharge performance
  • First-mover advantage through mass production setup for next-generation all-solid-state batteries
  • Efficient production system with multiple domestic and international sites
  • Comprehensive technical support and after-sales service
  • Business diversification through electronic components beyond batteries
  • Development of sustainable product lineup compliant with environmental regulations
  • Customer trust gained through long-term stable supply system

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major lithium-ion battery companies
  • Risk of global raw material cost surges
  • Need to keep pace with rapid technological innovations
  • Strengthened domestic and international environmental regulations and rising compliance costs
  • Intensifying product price competition in the market
  • Demand fluctuations due to economic uncertainty
  • Risk of changes in management policy from Taiwan's major shareholder
  • Instability in battery material supply
  • Disruptions in global supply chains
  • Potential market shrinkage from emergence of alternative energy technologies

Innovations

2020: Mass Production of Compact All-Solid-State Battery SoLiCell Begins

Overview
Established mass production system for SMD-compatible all-solid-state battery with solidified electrolyte.
Impact
Successfully launched high-safety, high-durability products into the market.

2022: Introduction of Passivation Block Technology

Overview
Adopted new technology in Fujitsu alkaline dry batteries, improving continuous discharge performance by about 40%.
Impact
Significantly enhanced product competitiveness.

2023: Launch of Eco-Friendly Packaging 'Sustaina Pack'

Overview
Widely adopts new environmentally considerate packaging to reduce environmental impact.
Impact
Contributes to improved corporate image and customer satisfaction.

Sustainability

  • Resource conservation through improved continuous discharge performance of products
  • Introduction and expansion of environmentally friendly packaging materials
  • Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in manufacturing processes
  • Promotion of recycling activities and waste reduction
  • Ongoing investment in safe and sustainable battery development