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Panasonic opens Innovative European Design Centre in London

New Design Centre will support international design strategies and European operations

Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, is pleased to announce that Panasonic Design Centre Europe, inaugurated earlier this year, is now fully operational. Located in Bermondsey's Leather Market district, on the south bank of the River Thames in London, it is the first European design facility of its kind.

Panasonic Design Centre Europe will initiate various design concepts and research projects based on the latest European market and consumer trends so the company can create more attractive products, which closely meet the lifestyles, and needs of European consumers. By working closely together with other Panasonic European organizations, Panasonic Design Centre Europe aims to incorporate their design ideas into the creation of next generation products to help ensure future success in the crucial European market.

London’s Leather Market district is the ideal location for Panasonic Design Centre Europe to begin its activities as the area contains a great mixture of old and modern buildings. Nowadays, little remains of the traditional leather industry that once flourished in the area. Yet the Borough market area still attracts countless tourists interested in the Antiques Market, the Fashion & Textile Museum, the London Dungeon and the legendary Tower Bridge. The area is also highly important for London's cultural scene thanks to the world-renowned South Bank Centre and its three iconic buildings: the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward.

"This is a bustling location which symbolizes a combination of history, culture and modern working approaches," said Mr. Toru Abe, the Director of the Panasonic Design Centre Europe. "London is Europe’s creative hub and we believe it is the perfect place to develop the Panasonic brand and our European customer base. All in all, it is an environment that will inspire Panasonic’s design efforts in the future."

In a statement issued by Yoshiiku Miyata, CEO of Panasonic Europe, attention was also drawn to Panasonic's emphasis on the continuum of past, present and future. "As the company celebrates its 90th anniversary and enters its 10th decade, setting up a new Design Centre will help provide services and products that not only enhance our customers' lifestyle but also consolidate Panasonic as a household name across Europe."