Nichia is a manufacturer of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes. The company, founded in 1956, also produces a wide range of materials, such as phosphors, coating materials, transition material catalysts, organometallic compounds, and fine chemicals. Nichia's other products include compound semiconductor materials, such as high-purity metals, single-crystal materials, and LED infrared epitaxial wafers. The company's products are used by companies in such industries as electronics equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical materials, and food additive production.