HISTORY & MILESTONES
KST History
Founded in Changhua, Taiwan, in 1973, KST has grown from an electrical terminal manufacturer into a provider of automotive connectors, battery modular connectors, and EV charging solutions. For more than five decades, our commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term partnerships has remained unchanged.
1973
Founded in Changhua, Taiwan
3003
Listed on the TWSE
50+
Years of Industry Experience
37
Milestones Recorded
Key MilestoneGeneral Record
1973–19865 MilestonesBuilding the Foundation in Electrical Terminals and Automation
1973.05Founded in Changhua, Taiwan, originally as K.S. Workshop
1976Began developing automated continuous manufacturing technologies for electrical terminals
1981Launched solderless insulated and non-insulated copper terminal product lines
1983Developed and deployed more than 300 automated terminal assembly machines
1984Launched pre-insulated continuous terminals and crimping tool product lines
1987–19992 MilestonesAdvancing Total Quality Management and Achieving Our First ISO Certification
1987–93Introduced and implemented a Total Quality Control (TQC) system
1996.01Achieved ISO 9001 quality assurance certification for production, servicing, and installation
2000–200913 MilestonesNew Headquarters, Public Listing, and Automotive and Environmental Certifications
2000.07Completed KST’s new headquarters and manufacturing facilities
2000Launched the Battery Modular Connector (BMC) product line
2001.01Obtained JIS certification from Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry
2002.02Officially listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 3003)
2002Established an ISO 9001-certified electroplating facility in Changbin Industrial Park
Manufacturing processes fully comply with government environmental regulations and emission standards.
2003Established the Suzhou manufacturing facility in China
2003Became a UL-authorized independent testing laboratory
Received DAP authorization and began WTDP in 2003; CTDP qualification followed in 2004.
2003.11Achieved QS 9000 quality assurance certification for production, servicing, and installation
2004Implemented centralized ERP, PLM, and EIP systems to digitally integrate finance, warehousing, and inventory management
2004.12Obtained ISO 14001 environmental management certification
Valid: 2025.12.22 – 2028.12.22
2005.07Established the Taipei office to develop IT, IA, and IO connectors
2006.12Obtained ISO/TS 16949 certification and began product development for the automotive industry
2008.09Obtained ISO/IEC 17025 testing laboratory accreditation
2010–201911 MilestonesExpanding into the U.S. and Southeast Asia and Entering EV Charging
2010Established a cable tie manufacturing facility in Changbin Industrial Park, Taiwan
2010.01Obtained IECQ QC 080000 Hazardous Substance Process Management certification
2012Established K.S. Terminals USA LLC
2012Launched the EV Charging Solutions product line
2013Established K.S. Terminals (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
2013.12Invested in Honley Autoparts Co., Ltd.
An international, specialized parts manufacturing company with capabilities in hot stamping, hydroformed tubing, and tailored welding.
2014The Suzhou facility obtained ISO/IEC 17025 testing laboratory accreditation
2016.02Established K.S. Terminals (Vietnam)
2016.06Established PT. K.S. Terminals Technology (Indonesia)
2018Designed and built a new R&D center in Taiwan with capacity for 300 people
2018Obtained IATF 16949 certification
IATF 16949:2016 replaced ISO/TS 16949, introducing a cross-functional approach with greater focus on risk management, customer satisfaction, leadership, and process control.
2020–20266 MilestonesStrengthening Safety and Capacity with New Operations in Thailand and India
2020Received Intertek’s Supplier Qualification Program Achievement Award and Global Security Verification
2021Relocated the Automation Center to newly expanded facilities
2022Expanded production capacity for EV charging assembly lines
2023Obtained ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management certification
Aligned our core values with broader environmental, social, and governance goals while continually improving occupational health and safety performance for employees and stakeholders.
Valid: 2023.07.04 – 2026.07.04
2024.02Inaugurated K.S. Terminals Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
2024.04Established KST Terminals (India) Pvt. Ltd.