ATL, Panasonic expand partnership
Published:Wednesday | September 8, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Gordon 'Butch' Stewart's Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) was slated to ink a deal last night with global appliance giant, Panasonic Corporation, for the introduction to Jamaica and other Caribbean markets of new product lines including energy-saving lighting technology and closed-circuit security systems.
Two of the new Panasonic technologies to be carried by ATL across the Caribbean are its inverter technology and light emitting diode (LED) lighting, designed, ATL officials said, to save the consumers 40-60 per cent on their electricity bills.
Manager of commercial operations at ATL, John Walter, did not say how the merchandising and distribution deal was structured, nor did he disclose the level of investment, if any, that ATL would be making in stocking in the new product lines. But, for him, the introduction of the new products will strengthen the existing relationship between Panasonic and ATL.
"Panasonic is important to ATL's viability as we capitalise on this opportunity to offer products that are environmentally friendly, energy-saving and have long-term benefits for our customers and Jamaica," Walter told Wednesday Business yesterday ahead of the official signing of the deal.
Net sales
Panasonic Corporation, developer and manufacturer of electronic products for household, business and industrial needs, is based in Osaka, Japan. The company recorded consolidated net sales of yen7.42 trillion or US$79.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2010.
Panasonic's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchanges and exchanges in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan.
Panasonic's Latin America president, Hiroki Kaji, and his team, flew in for the product launch in Kingston.
ATL is a premier dealer for Panasonic in the Caribbean region. Its partnership with Panasonic, which started in 1968, with Stewart selling the Japanese firm's air conditioning units, has expanded and diversified into hi-tech electronics, home appliances, specialised refrigeration systems, information systems and, lately, security solutions.
"The new security system will feature superior adjustable cameras that enable you to see a freckle on a person's face," said Walter.
The products sold by the firm are supported by several departments including service, sales, purchasing, engineering, the technology centre, finance, commercial operations - including warehousing, purchasing and logistics, administration and information systems.