A global player: leading technology for international markets
The branch, opened in 1978 is situated close to the city of Düsseldorf and develops and distributes the electric and electronic products of its parent company Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Tokyo. Around 500 employees, originating from 26 countries are also responsible for customer services, and product servicing. The branch’s export activities, across various industries, cover large parts of Western and Eastern Europe as well as Russia and South Africa.
“In order to meet these requirements you need a perfect location and in Ratingen we found this location. The local infrastructure offers direct access to Düsseldorf Airport and to the motorway network, offering many logistic advantages for an internationally operating sales organisation”, outlines the branch manager.
The branch in Ratingen also provides an excellent base for the Company’s nine product divisions which operate in Germany: Air Conditioning, Automotive, Electronic Visual Systems, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics CNC, Mechatronics EDM, Photovoltaic, Semiconductor and EMC-Competence Centre, an accredited test laboratory.
A process of growth – from the beginnings until today
Previously, the main focus of Mitsubishi Electric’s products was exclusively on the distribution of consumer and industry goods. Over the years, the activities and the product range has developed considerably. “In the 1980’s we achieved enormous growth. The product range was widened constantly and the activities of our branch were expanded to other EU countries where separate sales organisations were later established”, reports Noriaki Himi.
In 1996 the German branch became part of the newly established Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. (Dutch legal form), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, which integrated all Mitsubishi Electric European distribution and marketing activities. Today, in addition to the German branch there are nine further European branches and three representative offices in Russia. Moreover, Mitsubishi Electric operates six production facilities and two R&D labs in Europe.
The future in sight: Environment and social responsibility foremost
“Mitsubishi Electric symbolises innovative, high-class quality products. Our company is engaged to make the world a better place to live in and to realise the vision of a sustainable society where lifestyles can improve continually in harmonious coexistence with the natural environment”, the German branch president explains. One example of this is the semiconductor technology developed by Mitsubishi Electric which, along with other applications, is used for wind power and solar installations. Generating and using renewable energies is one of the central values of the company. Each of Mitsubishi Electric‘s operations in 110 locations worldwide, has the objective to comply with the company’s vision to create a balance between effective use of energy and resources, and safeguarding against potentially harmful substances. The Company’s corporate philosophy “Changes for the Better”, demonstrates it’s commitment to the environment and considers social responsibility a huge priority.
“As an element of our management philosophy, social responsibility is of great importance. We are always keeping in mind the human being and the world we live in”, explains branch president Himi. Mitsubishi Electric takes responsibility for each of its locations, and campaigns for social, cultural and environmental issues surrounding each site.