Corporate History

The Company achieved its 10,000th TV production; MEI Executive Vice President Arataro Takahashi visited PEC; registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a local manufacturer of electronic products under Republic Act 5455.

The Company purchased 3.7 hectares of land, located along Ortigas Avenue Extension in Taytay, Rizal. The new site became the center for PEC’s manufacturing activities and its head office; the first cornerstone laid on the Taytay property was that of the Electronics Building for the facilities of the Audio and TV departments. Within the same year, PEC started producing transistor radios and cassette decks; produced its 10,000th stereo set.

The Company registered with BOI as a preferred non-pioneer enterprise for the manufacture and export of electronics products; transferred TV Department to the new factory site in Taytay, Rizal; established its Dry Battery plant, followed by Audio Department’s movement to the new factory site; Electrolytic Capacitor operation began.

The Company established local sales and business offices to provide sufficient services to customers; registered with BOI as a preferred non-pioneer enterprise for the manufacture and export of electrolytic capacitor; set up the first and only Electrolytic Capacitor manufacturing plant in the Philippines.

The Company received its certificate of registration as Pioneer Export Producing Industry for its Electrolytic Capacitors Plant from BOI; the first batch of model TR-5121 LB TV set was sent to South Vietnam; inaugurated its first National Showroom in Makati Commercial Center; started the actual production of electrolytic capacitor.

The Company absorbed Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (EMCOR), a service company of National products; marked its entry into the white line field market with the launching of the Super Jumbo Washing Machine.

Mr. Jesus V. del Rosario launched the JVR Scholarship Grant as his personal social outreach program for the out-of-school youth; established Precision Appliance Corporation (PACOR) which manufactured the National white line products; instituted the Manpower Training Center, which was charged with the formulation of planned, systematic and organized training programs either in-plant or with outside training organizations.

The Company’s Stereo Radio Department was changed to Audio Department; introduced the National Jet cycle refrigerator in the market; first Waste Water Treatment Plant was set up.

MEI President Masaharu Matsushita graced the Company’s 10th anniversary celebration; introduced the National automatic rice cooker in the market; installed the National Solar Clock, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

The Company appointed MADEL Sales Corporation as the Company’s marketing arm of National products; purchased additional industrial land of 11,828 sq. m., adjacent to its factory site in Taytay, Rizal; commemorated the first export shipment of “National Panasonic” flashlight batteries to the United States of America; PACOR began production of National electric fan.

Electric Fan Department was set up by PACOR; The Company inaugurated its color TV export line and shipped 900 sets of color TV wired chassis to Illinois, USA, its first commercial scale export product; National Panasonic Philippines, Inc. (NPPI) was adopted as a corporate name in place of MADEL Sales Corporation.

Dry Battery Department commemorated its first shipment of K-Mart brand battery to Australia; Panasonic started its new color TV assembly line and commemorated its first shipment of complete color TV sets to South America; MEI President Toshihiko Yamashita made a brief visit to PEC and NPPI; the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), headed then by Minister Blas F. Ople, awarded a Certificate of Recognition to the Labor/Management Coordinating Committee (LMCC) of PEC.

NPPI earned the Sapphire Award in the 1981 Packaging & Distribution Improvement Contest sponsored by the Quality Assurance Division of MEI for all its affiliate companies; Mr. ‘J’ earned a Plaque of Appreciation from the International Electronics & Technical Institute during its Eight Commencement Exercises; commemorated its first export shipment of die sets to P.T. National Gobel (NABEL) of Indonesia; commemorated its 200 millionth electrolytic capacitor production; commemorated its first production of the National Electric Iron and its delivery thereof to NPPI.

The Company commemorated its 1 millionth TV set production achievement; inaugurated the establishment of its Parts Department, and its first variable resistor production; PEC marked the achievement of its 100,000th refrigerator production; first shipment of tuner parts export to Japan.

Commemorated its initial export of variable resistor to Malaysia; marked the shipment of its Washing Machine parts export to NABEL (Indonesia).

Celebration of the first shipment of line filter export to MACO in Japan; PEC introduced its “GEM” fashion refrigerators in the market; the company’s Technical Center was established to concentrate on product development and monitor market.

First shipment of washing machine tub to NABEL (Indonesia); signing of Technical Assistance Agreement with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (MCI) for the Company to manufacture and export floppy disk drives; first production and export of electric food warmer to Japan; inauguration of first production and export of flashlight to USA.

Commemoration of the first export of floppy disk drives to South Korea; celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Joint Venture, attended by MEI President Akio Tanii, as well as Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino; commemoration of the 1,000,000th production achievement of black and white TV and 100,000th production achievement of color TV.

Introduction of the first “National Window Type Air Conditioners” and of the first locally produced “National Stereo Karaoke”; commemoration of its first production of room air conditioners; started to carry the Panasonic brand of microwave ovens; introduction of the Panasonic brand of Video Home System (VHS) machine; inauguration of the Air Conditioner Department.

Started to carry Panasonic Video Camera; inauguration of the new three-storey building for the TV Department and TV production line; started to carry Technics Hi-Fi Component System.

Inauguration of its new UM-1 Finishing Line at the Dry Battery Department and celebrated its achievement of one millionth flashlight production; PEC and NPPI merged, with PEC as surviving company; inauguration of the Heat Exchanger Assembly of the Air Conditioner Department; purchased 21 hectares of industrial land at the Laguna Techno park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Production achievement of one billionth electronic component; citation as “Employer of the Year” by the Municipality of Taytay; total Distribution Center (TDC) Building inaugurated; citation as “Employer of the Year” by the Province of Rizal; citation as “Outstanding Countryside Investor of the Year” by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; one millionth electric fan production achievement; XVIth SEA Games held in Manila with National/Panasonic as one of the four major sponsors.

Citation as “Most Outstanding Company in Operations Management” for 1991 by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Japan Air Lines (JAL); production achievement of 300,000th rice cooker; first export shipment of oven toaster; the Washing Machine production line was made a separate department. The General Affairs Department was established to support the administrative activities and improve further PEC Management Control; celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Company, and citation of MEI President Akio Tanii by President Fidel V. Ramos for MEI’s role in countryside development; adoption of the new corporate name: Matsushita Electric Philippines Corporation (MEPCO).

AIM awarded the 1992 Asian Management Award for People Development to the Company; production achievement of Washing Machine reached half million; the Human Development Center (HDC) building was established; launched the Philippines’ first no-mercury added batteries; the Air Conditioner Building in Sta. Rosa was inaugurated with Philippine First Lady Amelita Ramos gracing the occasion; first export shipment of Laundrynette Washing Machine to Dubai and other countries in the Middle East.

Home Appliance Department marked its first export shipment of oven toasters to Malaysia; the Aircon Department shipped Panasonic brand air conditioners to Hong Kong for the first time; groundbreaking ceremonies for the Mindanao Regional Office and Warehouse Building in Davao City; groundbreaking ceremonies for the second building at Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Marked the ISO 9000 Kick-Off Ceremonies; MEI President Yoichi Morishita visited the Company’s Taytay factory complex; Home Appliance Department made its first export shipment of oven toasters to Japan; Television Department passed the ISO 9002 audit conducted by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) International; adjudged one of the winners in the “Search for the Healthiest Workplaces in the Province of Rizal.”

Television Department earned the ISO 9002 Certificate by SGS International; inauguration of the Company’s second building in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; commemoration of washing machine’s 1 millionth production and sales achievement; the Company earned the “Top 25 Healthy Workplaces in the Philippines” and received the award through His Excellency Fidel V. Ramos during rites held at Malacañang; became the first local manufacturer of non-CFC refrigerators and was formally recognized during the “Handover Protocol” on September 25, 1996.

The Company opened its new Northern Luzon Regional Office and Warehouse in Pampanga and its new Visayas Regional Office and Warehouse buildings in Mandaue City; became a total ISO 9002 certified company with the certification of all its manufacturing departments by SGS International; with the support of MEI, the Company signed a contract of sponsorship for the EXPO PILIPINO, the focal point in the celebration of the Philippine Centennial; MEI Executive Vice President Masayuki Matsushita graced the 30th Anniversary of the Company; donated PhP1 million for the Pasig River, “Piso Para sa Pasig” rehabilitation project.

For its successful conversion to non-ozone depleting substances technology, the Company earned a Certificate of Recognition from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on July 23, 1998; the Company’s Taytay Plant was cited as one of the “Top 25 Healthy Workplaces” in the Philippines for 1998.

His Excellency Fidel V. Ramos visited the Panasonic DVD Theater built at the EXPO PILIPINO in Pampanga; after becoming a sales division-company of MEPCO, National Panasonic Sales Philippines (NPP) was relocated to Taytay Plant compound; Consumers Union of the Philippines recognized MEPCO the 1999 Most Outstanding Manufacturer of Air Conditioner; Matsushita Group launched the Panasonic Scholarship Program (Philippines).

Certificates were awarded to the first recipients in the Philippines of the Panasonic Scholarship Program to pursue a master’s degree in Japan; various LGUs and NGOs in neighboring towns expressed their gratitude through letters of appreciation to MEPCO for the company’s donations of office tables; “National” and “Panasonic” were again included in the top three Super Brands in the 2000 Reader’s Digest Asia’s Super Brands survey.

The Company and the Department of Science and Technology launched a cooperative research on gas injection technology; ABS-CBN Foundation used Panasonic products for its educational program that provides TV and video equipment, and educational tapes to public elementary schools in the country; the Middle Management Course was offered locally for the first time.

National and Panasonic brands were again adjudged as two of the preferred brands in the market in the 2002 Readers’ Digest Super Brand Awards; MEPCO took the “Outstanding Manufacturer of Washing Machine Award” during the 13th Annual National Consumers Award; various projects were implemented following the commemoration of MEPCO’s 35th Anniversary in September 2002: medical-dental outreach program, launching of the Panasonic Scholarship for Philippine Colleges and Universities, development of the Taytay Mini-Forest Picnic Park, adopt-a-school program, and the like.

MEPCO captured the Most Outstanding Countryside Investor Award during the 28th Philippine Business Conference graced by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; on January 22, MEPCO commemorated the Window-type Aircon Export inauguration and the first shipment of air conditioners for export; the ceremonial switching of the button during the 2003 Dealers Convention marked the start of the company’s adoption of the unified brand: Panasonic.

In support of the promotion of the brand unification activities, the company held the first national Panasonic Thinknology On-the-spot Idea Writing Contest for school children, Grades I to VI; living up to its commitment to society, MEPCO donated goods and cash to the victims of flash floods in REINA (Real, Infanta, and Gen. Nakar) areas in Quezon, and in the southern part of Mindoro.

The Company officially changed its corporate name from Matsushita Electric Philippines Corporation (MEPCO) to Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC); Panasonic unveiled its Oxyride battery, dubbed “the power-for-the-next-generation battery with its longer power capacity”; PMPC earned the OHSAS 18001 certification, highlighting the company’s dedication to provide employees a healthy and safe workplace; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations accorded PMPC with the certificate of eligibility to participate in the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation scheme or AICO with Panasonic affiliates in Malaysia.

The Company donated PhP500, 000.00 through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PhP2, 155, 000.00 to the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Maasin. The funds were donated to assist the government in rehabilitating mudslide victims in St. Bernard in Southern Leyte; the new generation Panasonic “LUMIX” digital still cameras and E. CAM models were launched before the media; IMAX Corporation partnered with Panasonic in providing the ultimate viewing experience in the country; PMPC was awarded by the Department of Trade and Industry -Bureau of Product Standards for its capability to consistently manufacture products in accordance with the specific Philippine National Standards (PNS).

PMPC implemented various projects and activities in celebration of its 40th Anniversary such as the unveiling of the statue of PMPC’s founding chairman Jesus V. Del Rosario, Panasonic Wheel-A-Hope, medical missions, product donations, and the inauguration of the Kalikasan Center at Taytay National High School built through PMPC’s resources; Cooling Sales Department introduced the new model for inverter split-type air conditioner; MEI President Fumio Ohtsubo gave a fresh breath of hope and much needed encouragement to members of Panasonic Family during his historic visit to PMPC.

PMPC received the “Most Outstanding Washing Machine Manufacturer” award; launched the Viera Plasma and Viera LCD models; Panasonic launched the “Helping Hand” project for the dealers and communities affected by “Typhoon Frank”; PMPC, together with other members of Panasonic Group worldwide, marked Panasonic’s name change and brand unification. Effective October 1, 2008, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. has become Panasonic Corporation (PC); Panasonic showcased its continuing commitment to the reduction of environmental burden and preservation of the ecosystem as it joined the Eco Products International Fair 2009. Among the Company’s visitors during the exhibit were Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, and former First Lady Amelita “Ming”Ramos.

PMPC celebrated its 1st Lamp Shipment Ceremony (initially to sell compact fluorescent lamp models); conducted ECO-RELAY activities in schools and nearby communities; Panasonic donated 1.25 million pesos to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy through GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation; more than 2 million peso-worth of flashlights and batteries were also donated to various institutions; GfK Philippines recognized Panasonic as the top selling brand for household refrigerators in the country; PMPC received its new UMS Standard Certification (ISO 9001: 2008; ISO 14001: 2004; OHSAS 18001: 2007) from SGS-Philippines.

Together with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), PMPC organized the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)-sponsored forum entitled “Leadership Challenges in Difficult Times;” PMPC brought the schoolchildren of Simona Elementary School to Lamesa Eco Park in Quezon City to highlight the purpose of Panasonic Eco-Relay activities; in observance of the Panasonic Eco Lunch Hour in October, PMPC management and staff indulged in “kamayan” and using banana leaves to lunch on; Panasonic served as sponsor of the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo Manila 2010 (RE-2010); PMPC donated Plasma TV units to the “I Build” campaign of Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) for monitors in the latter’s exhibit caravans in various malls and schools; Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) conferred the “Lakan ng Lawa Award” to PMPC for the Company’s attainment of a BLUE rating for the 5th Cycle of the Laguna Lake Region Public Disclosure Program; PMPC received the Silver Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) score in the Corporate Governance Scorecard; GfK Philippines recognized Panasonic as the 2010’s best selling brands for refrigerators.

The 1st ASOM Manufacturing Managing Directors (MD) Meeting of FY2011 and FY 2011 Cost ITAKONA Implementation Workgroup Kickoff Meeting were held at PMPC; received new ISO14001:2004, OHSAS18001:2007 & ISO9001:2 certificates; PMPC-Sta. Rosa Plant and PMPC-Taytay Plant received an ECOSWITCH AWARD from GPIoS (Green Philippines Island of Sustainability); in the wake of disasters that struck the country, PMPC donated more than PhP2 million worth of Panasonic flashlights and batteries to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and PhP1 million worth to the Philippine National Red Cross.

With the completion of Panasonic Group’s organizational reform, reorganizing its business fields into three main groups – Consumer, Components and Devices, and Solutions – from five business segments that included operations of the two subsidiaries, SANYO Electric and Panasonic Electric Works (PEW), the Group can now maximize the synergy effects of one solid Panasonic. Consequently, with the said integration, PEW-Philippines and SANYO-Philippines ceased their existence as independent companies in the country. However, some of PEW operations with products under Eco-solutions like solar panel business and other devices, as well as SANYO’s commercial refrigeration businesses among others were integrated into the business operation of PMPC’s Sales Division, Panasonic Philippines effective April 1, 2012.

The Company’s Project TR completed with the inauguration of PMPC as a model “eco ideas” factory along with the opening of its new Refrigerator Plant.

PC President Kazuhiro Tsuga and PC Executive Vice President Yoshihiko Yamada visited PMPC in separate occasions; PMPC received its ISO27001: 2005 certification, which confirmed its compliance with the standards of information security management.

PC Chairman Shusaku Nagae visited PMPC; Panasonic Appliances (AP) Company accorded PMPC with an “Overseas Special Award to recognize its remarkable performance in fiscal year 2015; the Company embarked on promoting new organizational structure along with the launching of its integrated office.

PMPC marked its initial year of business operation under the umbrella of Appliances Company (AP) of Panasonic Corporation with outstanding sales performance, receiving from PC the President’s Award Asia Pacific Consumer Products Excellent Sales Increase; hosted the FY2016 2nd Factory Management Conference in Asia; and facilitated PC’s turn-over ceremony of 3,900 solar lanterns to 14 humanitarian and non-government organization in the Philippines under its “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project”.

The Company renewed its commitment to serve society along with the celebration of its 50th anniversary, which was graced by PC executives led by Mr. Hirokazu Umeda (former PMPC executive), Executive Officer, Member of the Board and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Tetsuro Homma, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation and President of Panasonic Appliances Company;  hosted the FY2017 2^nd APAC-ISEMEA Manufacturing Managing Directors Meeting graced by Panasonic Corporation Managing Executive Officer Yoshiyuki Miyabe; and in partnership with the Department of Education, PMPC served schools in poor communities by donating Eneloop battery storage, which stores solar energy to power LED lights.

Members of PMPC Family joined Panasonic Group’s 100th Anniversary Foundation Day Ceremony via HD-Glink; PMPC’s Consumer Sales Group, Engineering Center, and Washing Machine Division received the Double-Digit Growth for Three Consecutive Years for Asia Washing Machine Award from Panasonic Appliances Asia Pacific; the Solar Lantern Cooperation Project turn-over ceremony also was held with the initial beneficiaries from the indigent communities of Pangasinan, spearheaded by PC-Japan along with the support of PMPC and in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kadoma (RCK-Japan) and Rotary Club of Urdaneta East (RCUE-Philippines).

PMPC’s 2-digit growth rate was spoiled by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last quarter of its business operation, but the Company managed to carry out its various activities and programs; held a blessing ceremony for the newly transferred Washing Machine & Electric Fan Factory at PMPC-Sta. Rosa in Laguna; AP President Masahiro Shinada visited PMPC; Air Conditioner Business Division was officially launched as Panasonic Air Conditioning Philippines (PACPH); and it responded to appeals for relief from communities affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

PMPC factories and offices were temporary closed until middle of May amid the woes of COVID-19 pandemic.  Along with its desire to provide customers value-added products, PMPC continued to invest its resources to enhance its manufacturing capacity and capability, by shifting to inverter window air conditioners, no-frost inverter refrigerators, fully automatic washing machines, and DC inverter electric fans; joined Panasonic Group’s regional campaign “Voices of Hope,” which aimed at spreading positivity, encouragement, and hope while accentuating Panasonic as a reliable brand, and uniting Panasonic companies and its employees in the region with the public; held its 1st virtual awarding ceremony program in administering PC’s Panasonic Scholarship Asia (PSA).

The Company launched its “Care Wins Campaign” to emphasize Panasonic’s competitive advantage through the unique features of our products that care and embrace authenticity; declared the designation of March 6 as “PMPC Safety Day”; and through PACPH, PMPC extended products with nanoe-X to assist local government units along with its theme: “Bring Back the Filipino Smile”.