Overview
Triad Magnetics is an American manufacturer of transformers, inductors, chokes, power supplies, and magnetic components. Founded in 1943 as the Triad Transformer Company in Venice, California, the company became a major supplier to the audio, television, industrial, military, and electronics industries. Triad transformers have been used in professional audio equipment, guitar amplifiers, television receivers, aerospace applications, industrial controls, and power conversion equipment.
The company remains in operation today and is headquartered in Perris, California.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Triad Magnetics |
| Original Name | Triad Transformer Company |
| Founded | 1943 |
| Founders | O.D. “Oz” Perry, Thomas P. Walker, Lewis W. Howard |
| Original Location | Venice, California |
| Current Headquarters | Perris, California |
| Industry | Electronic Components |
| Primary Products | Transformers, Inductors, Chokes, Power Supplies, Magnetic Components |
| Markets Served | Audio, Communications, Industrial, Medical, Aerospace, Consumer Electronics |
Description
Triad began as a supplier of transformers for the motion picture and audio industries centered around Southern California. During the 1950s, the company became well known for supplying transformers used in high-fidelity audio equipment and musical instrument amplifiers. Triad transformers were used by numerous audio manufacturers and became particularly well known through their use in early Fender amplifiers.
During the 1960s, Triad became a major supplier to the television industry. Its magnetic components were used extensively in color television receivers and other consumer electronic products. The company also developed components used in aerospace applications, industrial controls, and commercial power systems.
Today, Triad manufactures a broad range of standard and custom magnetic components used in power conversion, filtering, isolation, telecommunications, industrial automation, medical equipment, and electronic instrumentation.
History
Triad Transformer Company was founded in 1943 in Venice, California, by O.D. Perry, Thomas Walker, and Lewis Howard. The company name “Triad” was derived from its three founders.
The company experienced significant growth during the post-World War II electronics boom. By the 1950s, Triad transformers had become widely used in amateur radio equipment, audio amplifiers, test equipment, and television receivers. Their products earned a reputation for reliability and were frequently specified by equipment manufacturers and kit builders.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Triad expanded into industrial, military, and aerospace markets while continuing to supply components to consumer electronics manufacturers. The company later became part of Litton Industries and subsequently operated as the Triad-Utrad division following the merger of Triad and Utah Transformer operations.
Ownership changed several times over the following decades, including periods under Magnetek and Parallax. In 2003, the company was acquired by Axis Corporation and reorganized as Triad Magnetics.
While the original Triad Transformer Company manufactured its products in the United States, modern Triad products are produced through a combination of U.S. and overseas manufacturing facilities. Current production includes facilities in California and the Philippines, with some product lines sourced through broader Asian manufacturing operations.
Historical Addresses
Triad Transformer Company
305 North Briarwood Avenue
Venice, California
Triad Transformer Corporation
4055 Redwood Avenue
Venice, California
Triad-Utrad Division
305 North Briarwood Avenue
Venice, California
Triad Magnetics
460 Harley Knox Boulevard
Perris, California 92571
References
https://www.triadmagnetics.com/historical-archive/
Official company history and historical archive.
https://triadtransformer.com/history.html
Historical overview of the Triad Transformer Company and its development.
https://www.triadmagnetics.com/about-us/manufacturing-locations/
Information regarding current manufacturing locations and operations.
https://positive-feedback.com/interviews/talking-with-triad-magnetics-demystifying-the-science-behind-audio-transformers/
Interview discussing Triad’s history and role in the audio industry.
https://www.thomasnet.com/company/triad-magnetics-10111935/profile
Company profile and manufacturing information.