Matsushita picks RP as regional hub

Matsushita Electric Philippines Corp. (MEPCO) has decided to make the Philippines its regional hub in Asia for the production of airconditioning units.

This was announced over the weekend by MEPCO managing director Rodolfo Perez who said MEPCO will invest an additional P300 million in the country.

MEPCO, Perez said, will increase its production by 150 percent from its current output of 100,000 units annually to 250,000 units.

Matsushita, Perez said, has stopped its production of window-type airconditioners in Malaysia and will instead concentrate on the production of split-type airconditioning units.

The Philippines would take over the production of window-type aircconditioners.

MEPCO’s production for the local market amounts to around 89,000 units and is sold under the brand name, National.

The rest of MEPCO’s production is intended for the export market particularly to Southeast Asian countries.

According to Perez MEPCO plans to further expand its market to the US and South America.

MEPCO’s expansion, Perez said, will benefit the country’s skilled labor force.

MEPCO’s airconditioner department was established on Nov. 23, 1988. MEPCO’s plant is located in Santa Rosa, Laguna.