History of Samsung (11) Adoption of new Corporate Identity and development of world’s first 256-mega DRAM semiconductor: 1993-1997

Introduction of the second foundation and adoption of new CI

In 1993, Samsung introduced a new corporate identity (CI) program in honor of its 55^th anniversary and 5th anniversary of the introduction of the “Second Foundation.”The new CI was aimed to strengthen competitiveness by bringing the attitudes and behavior of all employees in line with Samsung’s desired perception by the public. Samsung’s corporate logo and symbol were redefined to help the company become recognized a world leader.

One of the major changes to the logo was that the company name, Samsung, was now written in English, expanding Samsung’s global presence throughout the world. The name was superimposed over a new logo design, giving an overall image of dynamic enterprise. The elliptical logo shape symbolized the world moving through space, conveying a distinctive image of innovation and change. It showed Samsung’s desire – to be one with the world and to serve society as a whole.

Mugunghwa Electronics established

Samsung Electronics has been proud to provide equal employment opportunities for men, women, and the disabled. As a part of corporate social responsibility activities in 1993, Samsung Electronics established Mugunghwa Electronics, the first of its kind in Korea to promote employment exclusively for the disabled.

Ultra-light mobile telephone developed (SH-700)

In 1993, Samsung launched its first ultra-light mobile telephone. At 100 grams, the Samsung SH700 was way ahead of its time. In this model, weight was reduced through the use of self-developed antennae.

SH-700 drew keen attention from the then emerging mobile markets and 6,000 units were sold every month. By April 1994, the sales of SH-700 increased to 16,000 units per month. This brought Samsung Electronics to the top position in Korean mobile market.

Samsung developed world’s first 256-mega DRAM semiconductor

Samsung developed the world’s first 256-mega D RAM semiconductor in August 1994. Samsung invested 120 billion won to develop 256M DRAM and they succeeded. Samsung became the world’s largest memory chip producer and the development of the 256-mega D-RAM would ensure Samsung remained an industry leader.

SAMSUNG Electronics began construction of Wynyard Park (Production Complex) in England

Samsung began construction of its production center, called the Wynyard Complex, in the UK in December 1994 and completed it in 10 months. The comprehensive production complex covered an area of 83 hectares and manufactured microwave ovens and color monitors, employing more than 1,000 professional workers. Samsung got offers from both the UK and Spain but decided to construct the plant in the UK. In 1995, Queen Elizabeth spoke at the opening ceremony. Also Tony Blair, then Prime Minister of the UK, participated in the opening ceremonies for a state-of-the-art training center at the complex that offered special skills training and lifelong education for Samsung Wynyard Complex employees and for the local community. Eventually, Samsung shut down microwave production completely in the UK as part of the European relocation of its overall operations to Slovakia in 2004.

Our next story will be about the declaration of the second customer rights and development of new refrigerators and washing machines.

*The History of Samsung Electronics

(1) Paving a New Path 1968~1970

(2) Diversification and Expansion 1971~1974

(3) Meeting Demands for Energy Efficiency 1975~1976

(4) Innovation and efficiency combine for record-beating production and export boom! (1977~1978)

(5) Suwon R&D Center Expands Knowledge Base: Samsung Semiconductor Expands Production Base 1979~1980

(6) History of Samsung (6): Entering the Global marketplace 1981~1983

(7) Semiconductor Breakthroughs and High-Profile Sponsoring 1984-1985

(8) RAM Grows as Tape Recorders Shrink, Awards Pile Up: 1986-87 

(9) Restructuring the Company to Clarify Its Purpose: 1988-1989

(10)The world’s first dual deck VCR completed and massive Chinese production begins: 1988-1992