In July 1943 (Showa 18), during wartime Japan, private factories had to choose between converting to military production or closing. Kahei Ushikubo, who ran a textile factory, started making communication equipment parts and mica capacitors. Sankyo Electric Co., Ltd., the company that would later become SANDEN, was established with an initial capital of 198,000 yen.
In April 1952 (Showa 27), the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), which also serve as standards for electric lamps, were established alongside the development of industry and the economy. Sankyo Electric's low-voltage method for extending the lifespan of light bulbs was approved as a JIS standard.
In October 1961 (Showa 36), while sales of refrigerated showcases were steadily growing, the company developed an innovative fountain-style juice vending machine. Sankyo Electric's cooling technology helped the company succeed, and in August 1962 (Showa 37), it was listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Furthermore, in July 1963 (Showa 38), the company developed an oil heater. Later, it developed the world’s first clean forced flue heater that does not pollute indoor air. The company steadily gained technologies for both cooling and heating.

In 1969 (Showa 44), while developing refrigeration and air conditioning technologies, the company received an offer from Mitchell Corporation for a technical partnership involving small compressors. The following year, the company began producing compressors and entered the automotive air conditioning market. In 1973 (Showa 48), the company achieved its long-cherished goal of listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's First Section. This time, the trademark was renewed to “SANDEN.” Then, overseas bases were established one after another in the United States, Singapore, and Europe. SANDEN steadily increased the production and sales of compressors around the world.

In 1981 (Showa 56), SANDEN became the first company in the world to develop, produce, and sell scroll-type compressors. In 1982 (Showa 57), the company name was changed from Sankyo Electric to “SANDEN,” which matched the trademark. CI (Corporate Identity) was introduced when the new headquarters building was finished. In 1988 (Showa 63), SANDEN acquired Vendo, the second-largest vending machine manufacturer in the United States. SANDEN has become an international company with production and sales bases around the world, including for automotive air conditioners.

In 1995 (Heisei 7), Sanden built an automotive air conditioner compressor plant in France based on the principle of manufacturing and selling products close to customers. The company worked hard to protect the environment. It received two awards for its efforts: the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Commissioner's Award and the Ozone Layer Protection Contribution Award (EPA Award). It also worked to improve hygiene environments, such as through hand sanitizer dispensers, providing products that would make life better for future generations.

In 2002 (Heisei 14), SANDEN built the Akagi Plant, also known as SANDEN Forest, based on the concept of “coexistence of environment and industry without contradiction.” SANDEN’s unique STQM activities were deployed globally. Japan, the United States, and Singapore received the Deming Prize. In 2003 (Heisei 15), to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the company hosted the "1st STQM Global Conference" in Japan. It started supplying the "Glass Front Vender" vending machine, which was developed by Japan, Europe, the U.S., and China, and electric compressors for hybrid vehicles.

Sanden Forest Akagi Plant received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Greening Promotion in recognition of its achievements over the past 10 years. The company has also started supplying the socially responsible beverage vending machine, 'Ene-Ranger', which can provide drinks during power outages, as well as the world's first CO₂ refrigerant compressor for automotive air conditioners. The company actively pursues product development that contributes to society, creating corporate value through environmental initiatives. In 2015 (Heisei 27), it transitioned to a holding company structure and changed its name to Sanden Holdings Corporation.

In the 2020s, SANDEN Corporation implemented business reforms based on a new growth strategy. To keep up with the growing electric vehicle market, the company increased its investment in products for NEVs (New Energy Vehicles). Sanden has been focusing especially on expanding its share of the Integrated Thermal Management Systems centered around electric compressors. Additionally, SANDEN advanced the acquisition of business rights in the European and Chinese markets, contributing to the growth of the Hisense Group. Additionally, Sanden has created a new Medium-Term Business Plan, "SHIFT2028," which aims for sustainable growth by leveraging synergies with the Hisense Group.