Panasonic to start manufacturing refrigerators 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.”