As an authorized dealer of Kenwood two-way radios, we know firsthand just how much these durable and reliable radios offer a wide variety of industries. From the NX 300 to the NX 800, Kenwood provides next level radio communication.

This Japanese company has come a long way since it was founded in 1946 as the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. Created by a group of young entrepreneurs in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, the goal was to take advantage of the increasing market for postwar consumer products. In 1960, the company name was slimmed down to Trio Corporation. Three years later, in 1963, they established their first office overseas in Los Angeles, California. 

Where Did the Name Kenwood Come From?

The name Kenwood was created as a name that American consumers could relate to – it is the combination of the name “Ken,” which is common in both America and Japan, and “Wood,” which referenced the durable substance as well as the first overseas office in Hollywood.

It wasn’t long before the brand recognition associated with Kenwood surpassed that of Trio. And so, in 1986, Trio officially renamed the company Kenwood.

More recently, in 2008, Kenwood made a deal to merge with JVC and formed a new holding company known as JVCKenwood.

Kenwood History: A Brief Look at the Company’s Achievements over the Years 

Kenwood Corporation remains one of Japan’s biggest and most successful consumer-oriented electronics companies. While they are largely focused on the production and sale of audio equipment, they are gaining more attention for entering into new markets like meteorological satellite receivers.

Kenwood, or Kasuaga Radio Company, was created at a time when much of Japan was left in shambles from World War II. This created a climate in which the nation was excited to re-create its national economy. Since electronic equipment was gaining a lot of popularity at this time, the company focused on created high-fidelity electronic components and amateur radio equipment.

It wasn’t long before they become the leading electronic consumer products producer in Japan. In 1949, they made a huge jump in technology-intensive manufacturing by creating the first-ever high-frequency transformer.

Innovation continued into the 1950s when the company created the first FM tuner in Japan. As Japan’s local economy expanded, so too did the company and its operations, allowing them to expand onto the international scene.

It only took a few years for them to make their way to the top of the quickly expanding consumer electronics market in the US. Simultaneously, the company was busy creating subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Italy, Canada, West Germany, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia.

In 1969, the company had grown large enough to earn a spot on the Tokyo Stock Exchange where they began selling shares of the company to the public.

In 1979, Kenwood created the first amplifier with multiple stage power sources, as well as the first Liquid Crystal Display, this was the original hand-held radio controlled by a microprocessor.

Modern Day Kenwood

Today, Kenwood makes a range of products including home audio, car audio, car entertainment systems, amateur radio, DECT wireless intercom sectors and professional two-way radios. The Kenwood USA Corporation subsidiary is currently located in Long Beach, California. They are not only in Japan and the United States, but also many countries around the globe.

Shop Kenwood Radios

Kenwood maintains a leading role in the development of high-quality products that are reliable, technologically advanced and easy to use.

We offer a variety of professional Kenwood two-way radios for rent and sale. Learn more and check out our selection