 Triad's Transformer Corp.'s original logo | |
| Type | Transformer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronics |
| Founder | O.D. Oz Perry, Thomas P. Walker, and Lewis W. Howard |
Triad Transformers are currently produced by Triad Magnetics, a Southern California-based electronics company. [1] Headquartered in Perris, California, the company manufactures and distributes power magnetics and transformers. [2]
Triad Transformers Corp. was founded in 1943 in Venice, California, by O.D. Oz Perry, Thomas P. Walker, and Lewis W. Howard. [3] The combined operations of Triad Transformer Manufacturing Co. and Tetrad Co., Inc. were merged under the corporate name of Triad Transformer Corp. [4] Perry served as President, Walker as Vice President of Manufacturing, and Howard as Director of Engineering. [5]
Triad Transformers Corp. started out supplying to the Sound-on-film business, centered in Hollywood in the 1940s. Many audio electronics companies used Triad Corp.-including Westrex, Langevin, and later the busy HiFi industry of the 1950s. [6]
In the 1950s, Triad Transformers were used by Leo Fender and surf guitarist Dick Dale to increase amplifier volume, an innovation that led to the beginnings of Rock & Roll. Triad Corp. partnered with Fender guitar to create the world's first 100W output transformers, an audio revolution for amplifiers at the time. [7]
In October 1956, Triad Transformers Corp. opened a 16,000-square-foot plant in Venice, California, to house the jobber sales and inventory, machine shop, and shipping departments. This was the firm's third plant building. [8]
In the 1960s, Triad Corp. was a large supplier of electronic components to the TV industry. The company parts were used in all Zenith, Magnavox, Sears, and JC Penney televisions when color TVs entered the marketplace. [9] Triad Transformers also supported the Apollo mission to the moon and the first microwave ovens in the 1970s. [10]
In the 1980–90s, Triad played a role in the rise of industrial automation and controls, electronic ballasts for lighting systems, and innovative medical devices. [11]
Triad was merged with Utah Transformer under Litton's stewardship creating Triad-Utrad. With the installation of electronic DC ballasts in the mass transit industry, Triad-Utrad was the first in the industry to introduce electronic ballast, continuing on with later introductions of ballasts for T12, T8, and compact fluorescent lamps. [12]
Litton sold its Magnetics Group by way of a leveraged buyout, and Magnetek was incorporated on June 1, 1984 to purchase the assets of the Magnetics Group, including Triad, in July of that year. [13]
In 2003, Triad was acquired by Axis Corporation of Taiwan, a publicly traded company in Taiwan. The company headquarters was moved to Southern California, and a staff of design engineers and sales reps began to grow the North American transformer business, using a network of global distributors and sales rep companies. The company name was changed to Triad Magnetics. [14]
In 2012, Triad purchased a commercial building in Perris CA, creating a new 40,000 sq ft warehouse and logistics facility. In 2013, Axis Corporation moved its main manufacturing facility to the Philippines. The majority of Triad's product manufacturing also moved to the Philippines, with some global manufacturing also taking place in China.
In 2019, Triad acquired Electronetics, obtaining equipment and engineering resources that enabled Triad to begin small-volume U.S. manufacturing of custom and specialty products to supplement its overseas production in the Philippines and China. [15]
In 2023, Triad reached a milestone of 80 years of transformer manufacturing, with 20 years as part of the Axis Corporation.
Triad's President is Bill Dull. [16]
Triad Transformers were components of many devices in the audio and sound industry, particularly in the 1950s. These applications include:
The word Triad was trademarked in 1951. [22]
Triad's iconic T symbol was trademarked in 1957. [23]
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