Nidec Snapshot
You won't find Nidec throwing down the latest dance steps, though the company specializes in spins and moves. The company claims the largest global market share for the tiny spindle motors that power hard-disk drives. It also makes midsized motors for home electronics and industrial equipment, along with small precision fans, power supplies, and pivot assemblies. Nidec's brushless DC motors can be found in automobiles (power steering units) and home appliances (air conditioners and refrigerators). Half of sales are to customers outside Japan. Nidec was founded in 1973 by chairman, president, and CEO Shigenobu Nagamori and three other engineers as Nippon Densan Corporation. Nagamori owns about 16% of Nidec.