Panasonic to produce made-in-Nigeria AC, TV

Panasonic (Middle East and Africa) has announced its arrangement to commence production of its room air-conditioners and television products in Nigeria. 

The move by the Fortune 500 company is aimed at enhancing customer touch points across Nigeria by creating quality products that are locally fit and in response to the demands of the growing electronics consumer market in the country.

Shinichi Wakita, managing director of Panasonic, Middle East and Africa, said the company was also partnering with SIMS Nigeria to foster seamless distribution of the products across the country.

He emphasized that the creation of the new manufacturing unit would help contribute to the nation’s economic growth through employment generation for the Nigerian workforce and transfer of technical knowledge to Nigerian workers.

Wakita said the partnership deal with SIMS Nigeria is strategic owing to the leadership berth and track record of the distribution company.

“We are proud to be associated with one of Nigeria’s top organisations in distribution and sales of electronic products,” he said while speaking at the 2015 dealer convention in Lagos.

“He added that said the objective of the partnership is to meet Nigerians’ shared love for customised products and aspiration to own and associate with quality products.

Fab Uzor, general manager, SIMS Nigeria General, expressed his company’s excitement, following the partnership with the electronic company.

“We are excited partnering with Panasonic. Many years of operating in the Nigerian market has given us an edge in understanding the tastes and preferences of the Nigerian consumer.

“The Nigerian market is very competitive because of the number of brands that play here. As a business you need special skills in understanding your customers to make a head way.

“We have successfully done this over the years which gave us prominence in the competitive electronics market.”

Wakita said despite Nigeria’s economic realities, Panasonic is rewriting the rules of the electronic business to meet the yearnings of consumers who appreciate quality.

“Our strategy is not anchored on quantity but rather, our emphasis is on producing quality products that are equally affordable”.