Panasonic to start manufacturing refrigerators in India

Mumbai: Panasonic Corporation, the Japanese manufacturer of consumer electronics & home appliances products, will build a facility at Jhajjar in Haryana to start production of refrigerators to meet the demand for Indian market. The company has also decided to strengthen its R&D functions in the country by setting up two technical divisions. With this, Panasonic aims to expand its appliances business in India by accelerating the localising, production and sales activities to develop products that match the local needs.

Panasonic started local production with rice cookers from 1990, TVs from 1996 and air conditioners from 2013 to address the growing demand in the market. Keeping in mind the rising demand for value-added refrigerators, the new factory will be built at Technopark (Jhajjar) and will be operational starting November 2017. With an annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 units, the new plant will manufacture refrigerators comprising of unique features such as energy-saving, long-lasting freshness and design. Sales for the same will commence from April 2018 in India.

To accelerate the product development, Panasonic will also establish the India R&D center for appliances consisting of two technical divisions - design division of appliances (focusing on India) and offshore development division. It will strengthen the design division targeting the complete local product development process for India and surrounding countries and focusing on appliances such as air-conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators.

As part of its offshore development project, Panasonic will establish the design division, in partnership with Tata Elxsi, at Bengaluru in April 2017. Through this division, it will develop technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics applicable to appliance products not only for India but also for Japan and global markets.

“Globally, India has been identified as one of the strategic regions for growth. The prospering economy, increasing buying power and a conducive environment for manufacturing has transformed India into a growth magnet for the world. I am overwhelmed by the trust we have received from India’s consumer appliance market. Thus, we would like to extend our commitment further by introducing the new refrigerator line that offers safe, reliable and high quality electronics products,” said Tetsuro Homma, president of appliance company & senior managing director, Panasonic Corporation.

Manish Sharma, president & CEO, Panasonic India and South Asia, added, “The new refrigerator factory is our commitment to offer a complete product planning including design, production and sales. It gives the necessary impetus to local manufacturing and offering value-based products, all attuned to government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. With nearly 80 percent of our products locally manufactured, the new refrigerator line will further accelerate product development matching the taste of our customers.”

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.