Daktronics
| File:Daktronics logo.svg | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Template:NASDAQ | |
| Industry | Electronics |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder | Aelred J. Kurtenbach Duane Sander |
| Headquarters | Brookings, South Dakota, United States |
Key people | Brad Wiemann (Interim president and CEO) |
| Products | Timing and Display systems |
| Revenue | Template:Loss Template:US$756.477 million (2024) |
| Template:Loss Template:US$-10.121 million (2024) | |
Number of employees | 2,422 (2024) |
| Website | daktronics |
Daktronics, Inc. is a United States-based enterprise located in Brookings, South Dakota. It specializes in the design, production, marketing, and maintenance of video display technologies, including scoreboards, digital billboards, dynamic message signs, audio systems, and related equipment. Established in 1968 by electrical engineering faculty members Al Kurtenbach and Duane Sander from South Dakota State University, Daktronics has grown into a prominent player within the electronic display sector.
History
Daktronics was founded in 1968 by Kurtenbach and Sander initially targeting the medical instrumentation market; however, the company soon shifted focus to developing electronic voting systems for state legislatures, earning its inaugural contract with the Utah Legislature. Shortly thereafter, the firm expanded into scoreboard production when a wrestling coach at South Dakota State University requested improved scoreboards for wrestling events. This led to the launch of Daktronics’ first product line featuring the Matside wrestling scoreboard.
The company gained early acclaim with its scoreboards showcased at the 1976 Olympic Games and continued to provide display solutions for Olympic events through the year 2000. In 1984, Daktronics enhanced its manufacturing operations and by 1987 introduced mobile scoring units designed for the PGA Tour.
A significant milestone occurred in 1994 when Daktronics became publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol DAKT. The organization pursued international growth with offices opening in Canada (2000), Germany (2003), Hong Kong and the United Kingdom (2004), and Brazil (2012). Strategic acquisitions included Keyframe Services in 2000, Sportsound—a designer and manufacturer of sound systems—and Belgian display producer OPEN Out Of Home in 2013.
Daktronics has been responsible for notable installations such as LED video displays in Times Square beginning in 2001, including an upgrade to the renowned "Zipper" sign in 1997. The company also installed expansive Prostar video displays at major venues like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Cleveland’s Jacobs Field. Among its landmark projects are one of the largest HD LED screens globally for the Kansas City Royals in 2008 and a similar installation for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014.
Through targeted acquisitions and expanding international offices, Daktronics has maintained a strong competitive position within the display systems industry. By 2015, annual sales had exceeded $600 million, underscoring robust financial growth alongside global expansion.
In February 2023, Daktronics became subject to a class action lawsuit accusing it of securities fraud related to disclosures made between March and December of 2022.
Operation
Daktronics maintains its main office in Brookings, South Dakota, complemented by additional sites located in Sioux Falls, Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Shanghai, and Belgium. Its Creative Services team is dedicated to producing digital content such as high-definition video, 3D animations, and motion graphics tailored for media networks and extensive LED display installations.
With a strong emphasis on sports-related displays and promotional solutions, Daktronics has supplied scoreboards and video display systems for the Olympic Games. Owing to partnerships with timing service providers including IBM, Omega SA, and Swiss Timing, the company manufactures display units that integrate third-party timing data and branding elements. Daktronics has also made significant contributions to the National Basketball Association by introducing innovations like the initial backboard light strips used for buzzer-beater instant replay decisions and the 2004 creation of a transparent shot clock designed to improve visibility for fans. These advancements underscore Daktronics’ role as a pioneer in sports display technology, reinforcing its market position and competitive edge.
See also
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- Companies listed on the Nasdaq
- Display technology companies
- American companies established in 1968
- Electronics companies established in 1968
- Manufacturing companies based in South Dakota
- Brookings, South Dakota
- 1968 establishments in South Dakota
- 1994 initial public offerings
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment