Mitsubishi Electric Europe grows African business

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. office in Johannesberg, South Africa

Starting operations from June, the new branch will focus on market research and business development in order to bolster the company's business offering mainly in the sub-Saharan region.

The new branch office will be headed by General Manager Hidetoshi Nishiyama, who has around 18 years business experience in Africa. It will be located at 20 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, CNR of Witkoppen Road, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V President and CEO, Yoji Saito said: "South Africa is one of the largest markets on the African continent, benefitting from a well-developed business environment and an established infrastructure. It is the gateway into the Sub-Saharan zone, which, with its growing population, promises strong potential for future growth."

The move will strengthen Mitsubishi Electric's business structure in Africa. The company has experienced continuous growth across the region over the few last years, and the new office will serve to further affirm Mitsubishi Electric's commitment to the area.

Mitsubishi Electric has been operating in South Africa since the 1970s and currently sells lifts and escalators through a local sister company as well as offering factory automation, air conditioning and visual information equipment to the market through local distributors.

In 2014 the company generated a turnover of approximately 5 billion Yen (R500million) across the African continent including infrastructure business exported from Japan. By establishing the South African branch of Mitsubishi Electric Europe, the company is seeking to expand its local business structure and market presence.