Vishay Intertechnology
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronics, semiconductors |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Felix Zandman |
| Headquarters | Malvern, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Discrete semiconductors, passive electronic components (rectifiers, diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, inductors) |
Number of employees | 22,700 (2024) |
| Website | www |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a United States-based manufacturer specializing in discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, established by Polish-born entrepreneur Felix Zandman. The company's headquarters are located in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with production facilities situated throughout Israel, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Vishay’s extensive product range includes rectifiers, diodes, MOSFETs, optoelectronics, select integrated circuits, along with resistors, capacitors, and inductors. In 2024, the company reported revenues of $2.9 billion and employed roughly 22,700 individuals.
As a prominent global supplier of power MOSFETs, Vishay caters to varied sectors including portable electronics, internet communication infrastructures, power integrated circuits, mobile phones, and laptop computers. Its offerings facilitate effective power management across these platforms, solidifying its strong position within the semiconductor market.
History
Founded in 1962 by Felix Zandman, a Polish-born Holocaust survivor, Vishay Intertechnology derives its name from Zandman’s ancestral village, Veisiejai, now in Lithuania. The company initially focused on patented innovations related to foil resistors and foil resistance strain gauges. By 1985, Vishay had established itself as the global leader in these technologies and embarked on a series of acquisitions aimed at broadening its scope as a comprehensive electronic components manufacturer.
In October 2009, Vishay announced plans to spin off its high precision Foil Technology segment. This division, known as Vishay Precision Group (VPG), accounted for around 9% of the company’s annual sales and encompassed Bulk Metal Foil Resistors, micro-measurements, load cells, process weighing systems, and on-board weighing solutions. The spin-off was finalized in July 2010.
Since 1985, Vishay’s strategic approach has emphasized growth through acquisitions within the electronic components sector; cost optimization by shifting manufacturing operations to countries with lower expenses and government incentives; positioning plants near critical markets; ongoing product innovation; and enhancing relationships with customers and strategic partners. This methodology transformed Vishay from a specialized precision resistor producer into one of the world’s largest suppliers of electronic components.
The former Spectrol Reliance facility in Swindon, England—which Vishay acquired in 2000—was noteworthy as the final design project by Team 4 (including architects Richard Rogers and Norman Foster) and is recognized as the UK's inaugural High-tech architectural example. Operating from 1967 until its demolition in 1991 when activities were relocated elsewhere within Swindon.
Acquisitions
Vishay’s expansion strategy has involved acquiring numerous manufacturers to diversify its product lineup and increase market presence:
- 1985: Dale Electronics
- 1987: Draloric Electronic
- 1988: Sfernice
- 1992: Sprague Electric
- 1993: Roederstein
- 1994: Vitramon
- 1998: Siliconix and Telefunken
- 2000: Electro-Films, Cera-Mite, and Spectrol
- 2001: infrared components division of Infineon, along with acquisitions of General Semiconductor, Tansitor, and North American Capacitor Company (Mallory)
- 2002: BCcomponents (previously part of Philips Electronics Components)
- 2007: Power Control Systems unit from International Rectifier
- 2008: wet tantalum capacitor segment from KEMET
- 2011: resistor units from Huntington Electric
- 2012: acquisition of HiRel Systems
In November 2023, Vishay reached an agreement to purchase the Inmos microprocessor factory from Nexperia for $177 million. This strategic acquisition aims to strengthen Vishay’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The deal received approval from the UK government in March 2024, underscoring Vishay’s dedication to expanding its global reach and technological expertise.
See also
- Robert C. Sprague (1900–1991), the entrepreneur behind Sprague Electric