Panasonic

Founded in Osaka, Japan by Konosuke Matsushita, Panasonic is a multinational corporation that specializes in the manufacturing of electronics. The company began selling duplex lamp sockets in 1918. By the time World War II ended, Panasonic was producing an array of electric components and appliances in their factories throughout parts of Asia. The company began using the Panasonic name in 1955 when it branded its export speakers and lamps with the PanaSonic label. The company currently produces a variety of electronic products under a number of names, including Panasonic and Technics. Forbes Global 2000 ranked Panasonic the 89th largest company in the world in their 2009 report. Panasonic produced a line of bicycles under the Panasonic and National brand names for 35 years -- up until the late 1980s. The company currently manufactures electronic products such as home appliances, personal electronics, audio/visual equipment, microchips, and automotive components under the Panasonic and Sanyo name. Their line of Technics products focuses on music equipment; these products include headphones and turntables. Technics has amassed a large fan base among DJs. Panasonic also produces many unbranded components (like switches and speakers) for a host of automotive and marine companies, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Acura and Sea-ray.