· Factory set up with an investment of 115 crores, spread across an area of 14,000 sq. metres in line with government’s ‘Make in India’ vision
· Introduces frost-free refrigerators with a capacity of 307 litres and 336 litres
· New range Features Panasonic’s advanced cooling and energy-saving technologies
February 07, 2018, Chennai: Panasonic India today intensified its commitment to the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision with the announcement of its maiden refrigerator factory in the country, situated at its Technopark manufacturing facility in Jhajjar, Haryana. Set up with an investment of INR 115 crores, the factory has an annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 units and is spread across an area of 14,000 sq. metres.
With the new refrigerator plant, the company has expanded its local production portfolio for the appliances business in India that already includes small kitchen appliances and televisions, air-conditioners as well as washing machines. The new refrigerator plant enables the company to bring to Indian consumers products tailored to their needs.
The refrigerated plant was inaugurated by Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog in the presence of Mr. Tetsuro Homma, CEO of Appliance Company & Senior Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation and Mr. Manish Sharma, President & CEO Panasonic India, and & Vice President of Appliances Company, Panasonic Corporation.
The company also announced the launch of its new range of ‘Experience Fresh’ frost-free refrigerators, manufactured in the newly launched factory. The introductory range offers 10 models, in 336L and 307L priced between Rs. 35,650/- and Rs. 42,150/-. All the models in the range are launched with 3 star energy rating, along with an exclusive extended warranty– of 2 years comprehensive warranty along with 12 years warranty on compressor. The company will introduce 260L capacity models before the Diwali period.
Featuring a stylish full flat door design, the range is powered by Panasonic’s advanced technologies such as Intelligent invertor & ECONAVI technology, AG clean and Prime-Fresh freeze among others that deliver optimum cooling and high energy saving while ensuring that food retains its freshness & nutrients. The range also has key customizations in the design such as the biggest vegetable case to suit the needs and preferences of the Indian customer.
Mr. Tetsuro Homma, CEO of Appliance Company & Senior Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation said, “Panasonic Corporation has a very clear strategic intent, and that is to enhance its appliances portfolio for which India has been identified as a developmental hub. Be it innovation, R&D or exports, the corporation aims to mould the country into its Offshore Delivery Centre. The times are changing but OUR intentions are not. Therefore, in keeping with our philosophy of creating a better world, I am glad to announce that we have delivered on our promise and are right on schedule to begin operations at the factory.
As we celebrate brand Panasonic’s 100 years of existence, today’s announcement reiterates our pioneering position within the appliances industry. We aim to further magnify Panasonic India’s business operations by accelerating the localizing, production and sales activities to develop products that match the intrinsic local needs. To serve this very purpose, we have extended our services to customers here with establishment of our first refrigerator factory.”
Mr. Manish Sharma, President & CEO Panasonic India, and & Vice President of Appliances Company, Panasonic Corporation said, “This is a historic moment for Panasonic. In its 100th year, Panasonic India has made one of its most significant contributions to the corporation both at a global and local level. Internationally this plant will be one of the key contributors to the appliance’s portfolio, offering innovation through extensive research and development.
Here in India, there is an imminent need for quality refrigerators that not are not only advanced but power efficient as well. Our vision behind establishing this factory is to bridge the demand gap, and subsequently increase our contribution to 500,000 units a year. By offering safe, reliable and high quality electronic products, this plant will further solidify our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the nation’s consumer durable industry.”
Present at the occasion, Shri. Amitabh Kant, CEO – Niti Aayog said, “I would like to congratulate Panasonic for the inauguration of their Refrigerator plant, which is a momentous step towards the company’s commitment towards the governments Make in India mission. This will also give greater emphasis to align with the government’s Skill development campaign, both in rural and urban areas. The country has to grow at a much higher rate than the current growth rate of 7.5 per cent and it will not be possible without manufacturing which has to become a key driver of growth and it’s not possible to do it without the appliances and consumer electronics (ACE) industry. The ACE industry is playing a key role in helping realise the government’s vision to put India in a strong, dominant position in the global electronics map. The intention is to make India a manufacturing destination. Manufacturing will be able to create jobs and we encourage the contributions made by corporations such as Panasonic that are creating employment and sustainable livelihoods for our young population through such investments.”
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India & South Asia its wide range of consumer electronics, home appliances like LED & DVD players, Home Theatre Systems, Cameras, Camcorders, Car Audio Systems, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Refrigerators, Microwave Ovens, Automatic Cookers, Vacuum Cleaners and an extensive range of system products including communication like Phones, High Definition Videoconferencing, Professional Audio Video products like Broadcast Cameras, Projectors and Displays, Business Solutions including Printers, Whiteboards and Security solutions. The company currently has a workforce of about 13,000 in India & South Asia. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit: http://panasonic.co.in.
