On the eve of its anniversary, the Canadian division of global electronics giant, Matsushita, is flourishing as a result of product excellence and rising sales. This versatile corporation—innovative, quality conscious and market wise—is consolidating remarkable gains as measured by the millions of home and industrial units bearing the signature Panasonic, Quasar or Technics.

The corporate headquarters for Matsushita Electric of Canada Ltd. are located in Mississauga, Ontario.

Matsushita Electric of Canada Limited (MELCA) has a history of planning, progress and ingenuity. The company, with 650 Canadian staff members, now employs some 475 people at its head office and warehouse accommodations in Mississauga. Its products are sold through a coast-to-coast dealer network of independents, major chains, department stores, industrial dealers and distributors. Recent annual sales are in the vicinity of $500 million—more than 50 times the volume of the early years.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited is one of Japan’s most comprehensive manufacturers of electric and electronic equipment and ranks as the leader in the consumer products field in Japan. The 72-year-old parent company’s drive for product innovation and globalization of integrated production and sales is reflected in the growth of the Canadian branch.

On February 1, 1967, MELCA’s modest head office and warehouse opened in the west end of Toronto. Colour broadcasting had officially begun in Canada in September 1966, and Matsushita responded with a succession of superior television models.

Growth in the 1970s was spectacular. A video systems department serviced the educational and industrial markets. The Technics brand was well received in the emerging component hi-fi business. Matsushita scored a tremendous marketing coup with the microwave oven, a product that continues to command consumer popularity. With Ontario fully serviced, Panasonic staff opened a branch in B.C. in 1978, thereby forging a western link in the full service operations which today stretch from Amherst, Nova Scotia, to Vancouver. The mammoth new warehouse and office headquarters built in Mississauga was occupied in 1979 and expanded over the years.

Product lines proliferated during the 1980s. A revolution began in microprocessor-based units and MELCA accelerated development and promotion of its business and industrial products. By 1986, the focus was on five operating groups: audio-video, office systems, computer systems, telecommunications and industrial sales. Currently, consumer electronics, industrial equipment (with an approach to factory automation), business systems and home appliance products are receiving priority attention.

MELCA is currently preparing for its 25th anni-versary in Canada (1992) and its future plan is to become the number one electronics company in Canada. In order to do this, it is heavily involved in strengthening its operations and improving its customer service.

MELCA has always recognized its responsibility as a good corporate citizen, generously supporting a variety of projects. The company assists its employees in raising funds for local charitable organizations such as the United Way and contributes to community cultural activities such as the Mississauga Youth Orchestra. It has sponsored Junior Achievement, which provides future business leaders with a better understanding of the free enterprise system. The aim is to enrich corporate performance through service to society and community development. This advance planning for future growth is hardly surprising given the philosophy of company founder Konosuke, who, in 1932, drafted a 250-year mission for his creation. That business plan remains on target today in Canada where Matsushita perseveres toward recognition as the country’s premier electronics company.