Panasonic Corporation has announced that it will start the local production of refrigerators and strengthen its R&D functions. The company aims to expand its appliances business in India by accelerating the localizing, 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 has been set with an investment of Rs 115crores at Technopark, Jhajjar, Haryana and will be operational starting November 2017.
With an annual production capacity of approx. 500,000 units the new plant will be spread across 14,000 sq. metres and 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.
Panasonic will also establish the India R&D Center in Appliances Company India consisting of two technical divisions to accelerate the product development and to realize locally fit products. It will strengthen the Design Division targeting the complete local product development process in India.
The company will establish the design division in Bangalore in April 2017 in partnership with Tata Elxsi. 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.
