There’s something we like to say at KEMET, a phrase that’s often brought up in conversation across meetings, conferences, and even casual dialogue. “We may not be a household name, but we are in every household.” As we celebrate our centennial year, our journey towards becoming a contributor to nearly every household feels even more noteworthy.
Our story began in 1919 in the garage of a gifted chemist from Cleveland. Hugh S. Cooper founded KEMET Laboratories as a materials science and research organization. One hundred years later, our electronic components have made their way into your garage, home, work, and beyond. Though you may not see them, here are some of the household items in which KEMET parts help power your day-to-day.
High-Efficiency Appliances: You can find KEMET parts powering some of your favorite kitchen and laundry room essentials. We are in water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, washers/dryers, and dishwashers.
Computers: Whether for work, play, or just planning your life, we know how important it is to have a reliable computer. In fact, an early computer, Colossus, released in 1943, used over 3,000 vacuum tubes from KEMET. Today, KEMET capacitors and components for laptop computers can be found in the laptop itself as well as the chargers.
Flat Panel TVs: As TVs get thinner and 4K panels become more commonplace, the need for high frequency and low profile components grows. The next time you’re watching an episode of your favorite TV show, you can thank KEMET; we help power your flat panel TV.
Automotive: While the future of autonomous vehicles is on the forefront at KEMET, we currently contribute to the automotive industry in various systems, from the steering wheel, anti-lock brakes, and sensors that get you to the office safely, to the adaptive headlights that illuminate your drive home. Here are some of the places in your vehicle where you’ll find KEMET parts:
- Automotive Safety Systems (anti-lock brakes and airbags).
- Automotive Control Systems (dashboard, navigation & entertainment).
- Automotive Powertrain (batteries, sensors & fuel pump).
These are just a few examples of the many household appliances and personal use items that are powered by KEMET. The average American owns approximately 15,000 capacitors and doesn’t even know it. We are honored to be a part of your everyday lives. It’s something we’ll always keep at the very top of our research and development as we head into the next 100 years.
In the meantime, you can also find KEMET in smart watches and other wearable devices, augmented and virtual reality tech, audio equipment, smart bulbs for smart homes, and even in drones. And the list keeps growing as we continue innovating every day to make the world a better, safer, more connected place to live.
From the garage to the globe, and into your home, KEMET makes it possible.