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Mitsubishi Electric

Companies/Japan  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, established in 1921, is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer. Key milestones include pioneering consumer appliances, elevators, semiconductor technology, and expanding globally through strategic investments and acquisitions.

Chronological Storyline (45 Milestones)

Jan 15, 1921 CE

Mitsubishi Electric Founded

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is established as a spin-off from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, with initial capital of ¥10 million. #history #japan

Mitsubishi Electric Founded
Mitsubishi Electric Founded
By Akonnchiroll - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138028400
1923 CE

First Electric Fan Produced

Mitsubishi Electric manufactures its first electric fan, marking entry into consumer appliances. #innovation #japan

1924 CE

Electric Motor Production Begins

Starts producing electric motors, expanding into industrial electrical equipment. #industry #japan

1926 CE

First Home Electric Iron

Begins production of electric irons, expanding home appliance lineup. #home #appliance

1931 CE

Elevator Manufacturing Starts

Begins manufacturing elevators and escalators, a key business segment. #engineering #japan

1935 CE

First Domestically-Made Elevator

Installs Japan's first domestically-produced elevator in the Nanjing Hotel. #technology #japan

1945 CE

Post-War Reconstruction

After World War II, factories are rebuilt and production resumes under Allied occupation. #recovery #japan

1947 CE

Resumption of Elevator Production

Restarts elevator manufacturing as Japan rebuilds after war. #reconstruction #elevator

1950 CE

Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange

Mitsubishi Electric shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, enabling public investment. #finance #japan

1951 CE

First Fluorescent Lamps

Starts manufacturing fluorescent lamps for general lighting. #lighting #technology

1953 CE

Japan's First Window Air Conditioner

Introduces the first window-type air conditioner in Japan, leading the home cooling market. #innovation #japan

1955 CE

Rice Cooker Production

Enters the rice cooker market with automatic electric models. #cooking #japan

1957 CE

All-Transistor TV Prototype

Develops Japan's first prototype of an all-transistor television receiver. #technology #electronics

1960 CE

Launch of 'Crystal' Appliance Series

Launches the 'Crystal' line of consumer appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines. #consumer #home

1962 CE

First Monorail System

Supplies electrical systems for Japan's first monorail in Tokyo. #transport #innovation

1964 CE

Shinkansen Electrical Systems

Supplies electrical systems for the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, a milestone in high-speed rail. #transport #engineering

1969 CE

First Japanese Satellite 'Etsu'

Develops 'Etsu', Japan's first practical satellite, launched by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. #space #japan

1970 CE

First US Manufacturing Plant

Establishes a TV manufacturing plant in California, beginning overseas production. #globalization #usa

1975 CE

MELCOM Computer Series

Introduces the MELCOM series of minicomputers, entering the computer market. #computing #japan

1978 CE

World's Fastest Elevator at That Time

Develops a high-speed elevator with a speed of 540 meters per minute, then a world record. #engineering #innovation

1980 CE

Semiconductor Division Expansion

Expands into semiconductor manufacturing, producing DRAM chips and microprocessors. #semiconductor #japan

1982 CE

Automotive Electronics Expansion

Expands into automotive electronics, producing alternators and starters. #automotive #electronics

1985 CE

European Manufacturing Facilities

Opens factories in the UK and Spain for TV and VCR production, strengthening European presence. #global #europe

1990 CE

Launch of Diamond Vacuum Cleaner

Introduces the 'Diamond' series vacuum cleaners with advanced dust collection. #home #appliance

1992 CE

Japanese Asset Price Bubble Burst

The collapse of the bubble leads to declining profits; Mitsubishi Electric begins cost-cutting. #economy #crisis

1995 CE

Major Restructuring Announced

Announces a restructuring plan including workforce reduction and factory consolidation to recover from losses. #business #restructuring

1997 CE

Joint Venture with LG in Air Conditioners

Forms a joint venture with LG Electronics for air conditioning production, expanding in Asia. #partnership #korea

1999 CE

Mobile Phone Business Launch

Enters the mobile phone market with the 'Dex' series. #mobile #telecom

2000 CE

Launch of LCD Business

Begins manufacturing liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for mobile phones and monitors. #display #technology

2003 CE

Quality Control Scandal

Mitsubishi Electric faces a recall of defective electric fans and other products, damaging reputation. #quality #scandal

2005 CE

Corporate Governance Reforms

Implements governance reforms to enhance transparency and compliance following quality issues. #governance #reform

2007 CE

Wind Turbine Business

Begins manufacturing wind turbine generators for renewable energy. #renewable #energy

2008 CE

Global Financial Crisis Impact

The financial crisis reduces demand for electronics, leading to further restructuring and job cuts. #crisis #economy

2010 CE

Focus on Green Technology

Launches eco-friendly products like solar panels, heat pumps, and LED lighting under 'Green Innovation' initiative. #green #technology

2011 CE

Tohoku Earthquake Recovery

Mitsubishi Electric contributes to disaster recovery efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake, providing equipment. #disaster #japan

2012 CE

High-Speed Elevator for Taipei 101

Installs the world's fastest elevator in Taipei 101, speed of 1,010 meters per minute. #engineering #record

2013 CE

Smart Grid System Development

Develops and deploys smart grid technologies for efficient energy management. #energy #smartgrid

2015 CE

Acquisition of Elevator Company in UK

Acquires a British elevator company to strengthen its European elevator business. #acquisition #europe

2016 CE

AI-Based Factory Automation

Launches AI-powered factory automation systems using edge computing and machine learning. #AI #manufacturing

2017 CE

Launch of 'Wise Eye' AI Security System

Develops AI-based security camera system for smart cities. #AI #security

2018 CE

Global Brand Strategy

Unveils a unified global brand campaign 'Mitsubishi Electric Global' to enhance recognition worldwide. #brand #global

2020 CE

COVID-19 Digital Transformation

Accelerates digital transformation, including remote monitoring and service solutions, amid pandemic. #digital #covid

Jan 15, 2021 CE

Centennial Anniversary

Mitsubishi Electric celebrates 100 years since its founding; launches new vision for next century. #anniversary #centennial

2022 CE

Decarbonization Strategy

Announces target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with increased focus on renewable energy. #climate #sustainability

2023 CE

IoT and Edge Computing Expansion

Strengthens IoT solutions with edge computing for smart buildings and factories. #iot #smart