innovating motion

About Johnson Electric

Founded in 1959 by Mr. and Mrs. Wang Seng Liang, Johnson Electric pioneered local manufacturing of high quality micromotors in Hong Kong. With rapid expansion, the Group has become a US$2 billion global enterprise that is well positioned for further growth.

The increase of production volume allowed Johnson Electric to benefit from economies of scale and to build expertise in low cost, high quality DC micromotors and AC motors. In 1982, the company moved manufacturing operations to Shajing, China, just across the border from Hong Kong. Due to the immense scale of Johnson Electric's operations, today the site is known as "Johnson City". Johnson city is a vertically integrated manufacturing complex with over 80 suppliers located within or around Johnson City. We manufacture a broad range of components such as magnets, bearings, shafts, housings, laminations, commutators, die cast parts. Johnson Electric also builds our own tools, assembly fixtures, plastic molds and also armature winding machines. Johnson Electric values its employees and has provided its employees within Johnson City with high quality accomodations, including recreation facilities, library and internet center, medical facilities, a kindergarten school, post office and banking facilities. Safety and security services are of the highest standard, with an on-site fire department and clinic.

The company has invested over 40 years in developing motion expertise, broadening the Johnson Electric product range and building a world class global company. With sales, manufacturing, and engineering locations worldwide, Johnson Electric is highly capable to support the requirements of its major customers anywhere in the world.

Key Milestones

   

1959

Johnson Electric founded by the late Mr. Wang Seng Liang and Mrs. Wang Koo Yik Chun to produce micro motors.

1970

Sales of Johnson Electric at US$1.7 Million.

1972

Mr. Patrick Wang established AC Motor Business.

1976

Established Johnson Electric in USA. Began production of micromotors for the automotive components industry.

1980

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Sales of Johnson Electric at US$16 Million.

1982

Established plant in Shajing, China.

1984

Listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

1985

Plant in Tai Po Industrial Estate Hong Kong began operation.

1988

Established Johnson Electric branch office in Japan.

1989

Established Johnson Electric in Thailand.

1990

Sales of Johnson Electric at US$126 Million.

1992

Opened R & D centre in Stuttgart, Germany.

1994

Video conferencing system established between production and R&D centres in Hong Kong, mainland China, Germany, USA and Japan.

1995

Received ISO 9002 (in China Plants) from Llyod's Register Quality Assurance.

1996

In China ISO 9002 accredited by Chinese Commodity Inspection Bureau.

1997

In Thailand ISO 9002 accredited by SGS Yarsley, International Certification Services.

1998

Executive Committee and Business Unit Organization established.
QS-9000 certified on DC Micromotors and Armatures for Engine Management Systems by Underwriters Laboratories for operations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Germany and the United States.

1999

Acquisition of Electric Motor Systems from Lear Corporation including Gate SpA in Italy for Cooling Fan Module.
QS9000/ISO9001 certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

2000

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Formation of a joint venture company, Nidec Johnson Electric for Audio Visual Market with Nidec Corporation of Japan.
Sales of Johnson Electric at US$677 Million.

2001

Automotive and Commercial Groups established.
Acquired motors business of Textron Automotive Co's Kautex Textron division.
Acquired seat motor business of ArvinMeritor's Light Vehicle Systems division.

2002

Launched North America production of cooling fan modules in Brownsville, Texas plant.

2003

Opened brushless DC motor technical and production center in Moncalieri, Italy to support automotive HVAC market.

2004

Established Johnson Electric Trading Limited.
Acquired 51% stake in Nanomotion Ltd. for high precision piezo ceramic motors.

Acquired 100% stake in Nidec Johnson Electric for audio visual products.
Acquired Nihon Mini Motor for camera and optical disc drive products.

Expanded North American automotive operations with the completion of a state-of-the-art technical center in Plymouth, Michigan.

Acquired 100% stake in Nihon Mini Motor for camera and optical disc drive products.

2005

Established Value Innovation Centre (VIC).
Acquired Saia-Burgess, a leading supplier in stepper motors, switches, actuators, and electronic controllers.
Acquired Parlex, a leading producer of flexible printed circuits and connector solutions.

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