KEMET Charged:

100 Years of Innovation

Solutions from the Start

Since our founding in 1919, KEMET has been dedicated to making the world a better, safer, more connected place to live. What started from the garage laboratory of an inventor, now spans the globe with thousands of KEMET employees in dozens of locations. We have played a central role in the development of critical technologies that defined modern history. Although KEMET is not a household name, our products are in every household. Our story of innovation is one for the 20th century and beyond.

History See full timeline

1919

KEMET traces its origin back to 1919 when Hugh Cooper founded KEMET Laboratories as a materials science and research organization. The first patent issued to KEMET is for a novel process for zinc oxide production.

1930

As the electronics industry moved past vacuum tubes, so did KEMET. Transistors began to dominate the electronics market. KEMET had to reinvent itself to supply the needs of the market with tantalum capacitors.

1950

1987

KEMET capacitors were successful and as the electronics industry grew, so did KEMET with an expanding portfolio of capacitors that included both tantalum and ceramic materials. KEMET soon grew beyond South Carolina to a multinational corporation. Throughout this global expansion period, KEMET maintained a leadership position in the advancement of materials science.

2005

KEMET matures into a global supplier of capacitors by diversifying its offerings to include aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors. Operations are greatly expanded through organic growth and acquisitions of companies in Europe and Asia.

2019

KEMET prepares itself for the future and the next phase of the electronics industry. The continued electrification of everyday items, the automotive industry, and the increased interconnection of devices on a global scale will be enabled by KEMET electronics components.

Stories

The Components of Success

Our People Have Crafted Our Story

The people of KEMET have discovered and engineered solutions that have propelled our future and yours. At our core, we are obsessed with leveraging sustainable material science and smart people to create innovative products that solve customer challenges. Share your story with us on social media at #KEMET100 or send us an email at social@kemet.com

EXPLORE STORIES

Next 100 years

“Our employees exemplify a history of innovation in the development of components critical for emerging technologies.” Next 100 Years

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