| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. (1978) |
| Founder(s) | Gene Miscione |
| Headquarters | Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Key people | Gene Miscione (President |
| Products | Flash memory cards USB flash drives DRAM DRAM Memory Moduless SIM Cards Solid-state drive Custom Memory Modules |
| Revenue | US$ |
| Employees | 65 (2010) |
| Website | Centon.com |
Centon Electronic, Inc. is an American privately held, multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, sells and supports flash memory products and other computer-related memory products. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, USA
Centon serves an international network of distributors, resellers, retailers and OEM customers on six continents. The company also provides contract manufacturing and supply chain management services for semiconductor manufacturers and system OEM.
Centon is one of the largest licensed distributors for consumer, flash based devices and computer accessories branded with NFL, MLB, NASCAR and with over 100 different collegiate schools.
Centon Electronics was founded in 1978 by Gene Miscione, current President and CEO. Originally established as a distributor of integrated circuits, over the next twelve years the company grew to become the largest distributor in the nation. In 1990, the decision was made to redirect the company from the distribution of electronic components and systems into the manufacturing of memory solutions. Centon has evolved into a leading international designer; manufacturer and supplier of memory upgrade products. Centon's product line includes memory modules, USB Drives, Flash based storage devises, and accessory based phone and computer products.
1978 Found by Eugene Miscione. Centon started out as a distribution company for industrial electronics components.
1981 Centon was ranked 15th largest distributors by Electronic News
1987 Centon opens an office based in Japan
1991 Due to the rise of the PC, Centon transitioned from distribution to manufacturing of memory modules. Centon signs Wang Electronics royalty program.
1992 Centon opens a Sales and Distribution operations in Europe
1993 Bought assets from 5050, a retail channel, from Packard Bell which got Centon into the retail segment of the industry.
1994 Centon signs IBM royalty program
1995 Centon develops its first slogan.
1996 Centon launched its first website. Centon also introduces memory upgrades for New Toshiba and Compaq Systems
1997 Centon became members with CMTL and also opened their new manufacturing facility. Centon announces memory upgrades for newly released Intel Pentiums with MMX Technology including Compaq, IBM and Packard Bell and memory upgrades for Apple’s Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh
1999 Centon joins the CompactFlash Organization
2002 Centon announces the addition of Data Stick memory technology (USB) to its line of Flash Memory products.
Centon announces they have begun a relationship to have their memory modules tested for motherboard compatibility by CMTL (Computer Memory Test Labs) under their Memory Module Certification Program.
Centon’s Engineering Department releases a low profile DDR Registered DIMM.
2005 Started selling Compact Flash and Flash products. Centon then expanded the product offer to include CompactFlash, SSD, USB, and Micro SD in a wide variety of densities. Centon joins the SD Organization and the Apple Developer Program.
2008 Licensees the NASCAR brand. With the license, Centon releases replica car and keychain USB's for the following drivers: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick, Jeff Gordon, and Carl Edwards
2009 Licensees with the MLB. With the MLB license, Centon releases MLB branded USB swivel drives, USB keychain and laptop sleeves. Centon next licenses with Collegiate Licensing Company in turn Centon releases a whole line of accessories including: iPad Sleeves/cases, iPhone case, USB twist/Keychain drives and mousepads. Centon partners with Plant-A-Tree USA to help make a greener environment. Centon also signs Fully Buffered Dimm royalty program.
2010 Licensees with the NFL which leads to the announcement of the keychain USB version 2. Centon also licenses with LRG and Centon moves into its current location in Aliso Viejo, California. Centon partners with The Chari-Tree Organization to help make a greener environment.
2011 Licensees with SMA/TBD