Tracing the history of Niterra

The history of Niterra is
a history of taking on challenges in new fields.

Our history, which began in 1937 with the manufacture of spark plugs,
has always involved meeting the challenges of solving society's problems in response to the changing times.

Having inheriting our commitment to technology and quality from the DNA of the Morimura Gumi,
we will continue to rise to the challenge of creating new value and becoming a truly indispensable company
through innovative manufacturing that opens up a path to the future.

Morimura Group

The Morimura Group, a leading corporate group in the Japanese ceramics and porcelain industry, traces its roots back to 1876, when Morimura Gumi (now MORIMURA BROS., INC.) was founded by brothers Ichizaemon and Toyo Morimura, pioneers of the Japanese trading industry.

While ensuring mutual coordination as a group, we aim to develop the company by building expertise in each of our areas of expertise.

Morimura Group Companies

NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.（※） was founded in 1936. Tracing its roots back to the Morimura Gumi (1876), founded by Ichizaemon Morimura, the founder of the Morimura Group, the company has a history of more than 140 years.
（※）Changed English company name to Niterra Co., Ltd.

View A History of Niterra Co., Ltd.

Sales trends

1937Started production of NGK spark plugs

The first production of spark plugs started in April 1937. Our company's plug production began with the firm resolve of our first president, Magoemon Ezoe, to produce plugs using porcelain, one of Japan’s specialties. In the present day, we have grown to establish ourselves as the world's top manufacturer of spark plugs, and we continue to evolve.
1949Started production of NTK Technical Ceramics.

From the spring of 1949, as NTK Technical Ceramics we launched a wide variety of products, making our full-scale entry into the ceramics sector.
After that, the NTK brand ("NTK" was registered as a trademark at the end of 1950) found wide use in new ceramics applications other than plug-related products.
1959Established Ceramica e Velas de Ignicao NGK do Brasil Ltda.

Starting with the establishment of our first overseas base in Brazil in 1959, we have pro-actively expanded overseas and built a strong overseas network. Amid expansion of our overseas sales, we provided plugs to competitors at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, who won a championship. Since then, machines equipped with our spark plugs have been active in many races, and our brand has become known around the world.
1967Started production of IC packages.

After developing glass sealing, metallization, plating, and other technologies, we exhibited a 14-lead IC package at the IEEE* show in the spring of 1967, and began production in the fall of that year.

*IEEE: Headquartered in the United States. Its official name is The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
1982Started production of automotive oxygen sensors.

Our sensors business began in 1971 with the development of temperature sensors for catalytic converter overheat alarm devices. With the subsequent tightening of emission regulations, the feedback fuel injection system using an oxygen sensor combined with a three-way catalyst became the mainstream. In 1982, we developed zirconia and titania oxygen sensors and established the foundation of our business in this sector.
1989Sales of electrostatic chucks started.

In the late 1980s, requirements for higher integration and lower cost of semiconductor elements intensified, which gave rise to a shift to ceramic components, characterized by the material’s excellent heat and abrasion resistance, to be used for semiconductor production equipment. In response, we promptly introduced ceramic electrostatic chucks, and commenced mass production of the product in the 2000s to expand sales.
1999Sales of medical oxygen concentrators started.

We started research on the possibility of medical applications of bioceramics in the 1970s, looking to future opportunities afforded by the progress of population aging. In 1999, we started sales of medical oxygen concentrators.
2007Developed 1kW class solid oxide fuel cell power generation system.

In October 2007, we developed a practically sized lithographic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) demonstrating the world's highest level of power generation output density, more than double that of conventional models. Combining this with our unique sensor technology and electronic circuit technology, we succeeded in constructing an extremely compact and highly efficient power generation system.
We are continuing to work on power generation efficiency and durability, cost reduction, and compactness toward the rollout to general households and the advent of a hydrogen-based society.
2021Company system

In anticipation of the business environment in 2040, in order to clarify the responsibilities and authorities of each business and individual employee, the Company has introduced an in-house company system. As part of this initiative, some departments have been spun off. Under our policy of Dokuritsu-Jiei (independence and self-management), we will accelerate the maximization of business value according to the position of the business.

スクロールできます

Company name changed to Niterra Co., Ltd.

Niterra has contributed to the development of society through its products for internal combustion engines. And now, we are working on various changes for the future. As part of this, in fiscal 2023, we have changed the English name of the company from "NGK SPARK PLUG" to "Niterra." Niterra is a word that we have coined to combine "Niteo", which means shining in Latin, with "terra", which means earth. It contains the idea of "becoming a company that brightens the entire global environment." Based on our action guideline to "Change with Will !!", we will continue to work to solve social issues with an awareness of the mindset of always seeking "Something New."

View our brand story