Panasonic launching new business focused on sports, entertainment industries

Panasonic Corp. of North America has created a new sales division aimed at serving the sports and entertainment industries, it announced Thursday.Panasonic Corp. of North America has created a new sales division aimed at serving the sports and entertainment industries, it announced Thursday.

The U.S. arm of Japan-based Panasonic Corp. said in a news release that the new division, Panasonic Media Entertainment Co., will be headquartered at the company’s Newark offices and have locations around the country. The division will officially launch April 1, the company added.

“Having already completed major projects for projection mapping, spectacular videoboards and other solutions in iconic sports and entertainment destinations, it’s only natural for Panasonic to widen our vision to plan and deliver innovative, next-generation solutions customized for our customers in the entertainment business,” Masaharu Nakayama, president of the new company, said in a prepared statement. “We expect to grow this company into a trusted technology partner for our customers in the entertainment world and contribute meaningfully to their business success.”

Panasonic Media Entertainment Co. will work closely with another arm of the business, the new Connected Solutions Co.’s media entertainment business division. Panasonic also is launching Connected Solutions Co. on April 1.

The company said this new unit will develop and sell proprietary technological solutions incorporating high-performance projectors, large-screen LED display systems, broadcast-related equipment, professional audio systems and energy-saving lighting equipment.

The target market includes stadiums, convention centers, theme parks and more.

Panasonic will also provide system design services, as well as installation and support services.

The unit will have approximately 140 employees at launch.