Panasonic

Panasonic's story started in 1918, when Konosuke Matsushita, together with his wife and brother, founded the company Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works. Matsushita was born in 1894 in Wakayama, a village to the south of Osaka, Japan, as the youngest of eight children. His career began as an apprentice in a local garage, and he later moved to the Osaka Electric Light Company, where he gathered the necessary experience to later found a small services firm. His company's first products were insulation plates and sockets for electric lamps.

Televisions, cassette players, and microwaves

After success in the domestic market, the company expanded its business in the 1960s, first in China and America and then shortly after establishing several subsidiaries in Europe. At this time Panasonic was developing and producing audio cassette players and recording devices, colour TVs and microwaves.

An inspirational leader

Konosuke Matsushita spent 66 years working at Panasonic before leaving his position of President and becoming Chairman of the Board. About 12 years later, he retired and devoted himself to literature, writing several books about business. He died in 1989.

Panasonic today

Panasonic is currently one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers. Over 680 subsidiary companies fall under the Panasonic name, with over 390,000 employees in production and marketing, and 10,000 employees working in sales and services. Panasonic's portfolio includes more than 15,000 products, such as digital camcorders and cameras, TVs (Smart, LED, Ultra HD, 3D), lighting, coffee makers, and many more.