Our Dreams Help Shape the Future

From notebook computers to mobile phones, to portable gaming devices, to digital cameras, many of the world’s portable electronic devices have come to rely on the power of Li-Ion secondary batteries. In 1991, Sony Energy Devices Corporation (then known as Sony Energytec) developed the world’s first mass production ready Li-Ion battery.

Since then, Li-Ion technology has become integrated into ever increasing numbers of applications that positively impact our lives such as mobile electronics with extensive battery life, eco-friendly automobiles, and smartgrid power bringing power to areas where it was previously unavailable.

In 1975 Sony Corporation entered into a joint venture with Union Carbide to form Sony Eveready Corporation. Our battery goals back then, as they are now, were to grow the business, improve energy density, and become environmentally friendly. Since then, our business has grown and expanded to include several operation sites located in the East Japan. One achievement that I am particularly proud of is that Sony Energy Devices became the first battery manufacturer in the world to completely eliminate the use of mercury in button battery manufacturing. In order to reach this incredible achievement, we were faced with the near impossible task of finding a substitute for mercury, while maintaining or improving upon the characteristics of mercury, so that the quality and performance of these batteries, which are literally fabricated in the tens of millions of units, would not be affected. Our success led to Sony becoming the first miniature battery* manufacturer in the world to provide a 100% mercury free lineup, which should have significant positive environmental impact in the years to come. Today, I find that the same passion that drove us towards excellence back in 1975 still flows through Sony Energy Devices and it is from this passion that we will continue to find new and innovative ways to achieve our goals.

We take special pride in knowing that our technology has enriched the lives of those who have been able to use it. By enabling a business person to be able to bring their laptop with them on business, or improving household energy systems, or powering digital cameras to allow people to capture the most important moments of their lives, We have played a major role in the lives of our customers. As the needs of our customers change with technology, We will work step-by-step to continue to meet those needs along the way.

Near the platform of the Shinkansen at the JR Koriyama Station, there is our signboard that says, “Our Dreams Help Shape the Future”. Each time I see this sign, I reflect upon how our technology and products today are being used by the very people who will be shaping the technology and products of tomorrow, and I walk away certain that when the future does arrive, We will be there enabling the dreams of others much like we do today.

*miniature batteries: general term for button and coin-shaped battery
President
Sony Energy Devices Corporation