Overview
Trio Corporation was a Japanese electronics manufacturer best known for amateur radio equipment, communications receivers, hi-fi audio systems, and electronic components. The company originated as Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in 1946 and adopted the Trio Corporation name in 1960.
Trio became internationally recognized during the 1960s through the 1980s for producing high-quality amateur radio transceivers and receivers. In many export markets, especially the United States, products were later branded as Kenwood. The company officially changed its corporate name to Kenwood Corporation in 1986.
History
Historical Timeline
- 1946 – Founded as Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in Komagane, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- 1950s – Produced transformers, electronic components, and communications equipment
- 1960 – Company renamed Trio Corporation
- Early 1960s – Began exporting amateur radio and audio products internationally
- 1963 – Established United States operations in Los Angeles, California
- 1960s – Lafayette Radio distributed Trio amateur radio products in the United States
- Late 1960s – Kenwood brand name introduced for export markets
- 1970s – Trio/Kenwood became a major international amateur radio manufacturer
- 1970s – Introduced popular amateur radio models including the TS-520 and TS-820
- 1980s – Expanded into car audio and digital communications equipment
- 1986 – Corporate name officially changed to Kenwood Corporation
- 2008 – Kenwood merged with JVC to form JVCKENWOOD Corporation
Description
Trio Corporation manufactured a wide range of electronics products including:
- Amateur radio transceivers
- Shortwave receivers
- Communications receivers
- Stereo receivers and amplifiers
- Car audio systems
- Test equipment
- Electronic components
The company became especially respected in amateur radio for:
- Reliable construction
- Strong receiver performance
- Good value for cost
- Easy serviceability
- Advanced features for the time
Well-known Trio and Trio-Kenwood amateur radio models included:
- TS-510
- TS-520
- TS-700
- TS-820
- R-599 receiver series
- 9R-series communications receivers
Historical Address
Trio Corporation
Tokyo, Japan
Trio-Kenwood Inc.
Los Angeles, California USA
References
- Kenwood Corporation company history and origins
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenwood_Corporation - JVCKENWOOD corporate history timeline
https://www.jvckenwood.com/en/corporate/history/ - Historical company background and market expansion information
https://www.company-histories.com/Kenwood-Corporation-Company-History.html - Official Kenwood historical overview
https://mobileinfo.kenwoodusa.com/aboutus/ - RigPix archive of Trio and Kenwood amateur radio equipment
https://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/kenwood.htm