2. About Us
  3. History
  4. Timeline

History

1936
  • Capital:
    100,000 yen

    On Jan. 15, Keijiro Yao establishes Yaou Shop Co., Ltd. in Asakuasa Kuramae-cho, Tokyo.

  • Becomes a major distributor for King Records; the procurement and sale of phonographs, records, and musical instruments begins.

1938

  • Koa Radio Electric Machinery Works established in Honjo-Mukojima, Tokyo; production of the “Seikwa” and “Concour” radio receivers begins.

1941
  • Capital:
    198,000 yen

    Koa Radio Electric Machinery Works renamed Yaou Radio Electronics Ltd..

  • In addition to radio receivers, production of radio equipment, measuring instruments, loudspeakers, and electric phonographs begins.

1942

  • Yaou Shop Co., Ltd. renamed Yaou Electric Co, Ltd.

1945

  • Kuramae Plant and Mukojima Plant destroyed in the Bombing of Tokyo in March. The company constructs a new plant in Nakano, Tokyo and begins operations.

1946

  • The company starts using the trademark "GENERAL."

1947
  • Capital:
    2 million yen

    The company absorbs Yaou Radio Electronics Ltd.; Yaou Electric Co, Ltd. renamed Yaou Radio Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    New plant constructed in Nakano, Tokyo; operations relocated from Shiroyama Plant.

1948

  • Head office relocated to Nakano, Tokyo; Yaou Radio Manufacturing Co., Ltd. renamed Yaou Radio Co., Ltd.

  • The company begins production of the five-tube, three-band all-wave radio (5A-2), certified as No. 1 (5A-2/5NS-1), in response to the launch of the radio certification system by the Ministry of Communications (later the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications).

1950

  • The company begins production of six- and seven-tube superheterodyne radios with magic eyes.

1951
  • Capital:
    20 million yen

    Electric heater division established at Shiroyama Plant; expansion into the home appliance sector begins.

  • Research into monochrome televisions begins.

1952
  • Capital:
    50 million yen

    Omori Plant completed in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; all divisions except the home appliance manufacturing division relocated to Omori Plant.

  • Prototype 17-inch monochrome television, 17T-1 completed.

1953
  • Capital:
    100 million yen

    Company shares offered to the public.

  • Medium- and shortwave mobile radio equipment receives Certification No. 1 from the National Fire Defense Headquarters.

    The first Japan-made production control device for television studios delivered to NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

    The company launches the first mass-production models of 17-inch monochrome televisions, including the tabletop model 17T-2, the console models 17C-2 and 17C-3, and the grand console model 17G-1 with built-in radio and record player.

1954

  • Head office relocated to Omori Plant.

  • Delivers medium- and shortwave radio equipment to the National Fire Defense Headquarters.

    The company begins the production and sale of the world’s first 10-inch front-speaker monochrome television, the 10T-1. The model features the first Japan-made produced cathode-ray tube with electrostatic focus, and a 10-inch square screen with 70-degree deflection.

1955
  • Capital:
    400 million yen

    Yaou Radio Co., Ltd. renamed Yaou Electric Co, Ltd.; Kawasaki Plant (current head office, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki) built; radio, audio, and television operations relocated from Omori Plant to Kawasaki Plant.

    Home appliance manufacturing division relocated from Nakano to Omori.

    Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange.

  • The company develops Japan’s first horizontal retrace blanking method for televisions and markets it as the Blanking System, and applies the technology to the 14T-7 and 17T-7.

1956
  • Capital:
    800 million yen

    Radio device division relocated from Omori Plant to Kawasaki Plant; mass-production facilities for electric washing machines installed at Omori Plant.

    Listed on Nagoya Stock Exchange and Osaka Stock Exchange.

  • The company begins development of color televisions.

    The company launches the absorption-type electric refrigerator, ER-101.

1957
  • Capital:
    1.2 billion yen

    Home appliance plant completed at Kawasaki Plant; home appliance division relocated to Kawasaki Plant.

    General Lighting Equipment Co., Ltd. established in Osaka.

  • The company begins development of studio equipment for color broadcasts.

    The company completes a prototype color television.

    The company launches the fluorocarbon-refrigerant compressor-type refrigerator, ER-351.

    The company enters the 150-MHz-band taxi radio market.

    Delivers medium-and shortwave SSB radio equipment to the Tokyo Fire Department and Tokyo Electric Power Company.

1958

  • Head office relocated to Kawasaki.

  • The company launches the world's first 14-inch monochrome television with a wired remote control, the "Video Master," 14T-800M.

1959

  • The company installs direction-finding equipment and radio equipment on the helicopter of the Antarctic research vessel “Soya.”

    Delivers VHF-FM radio equipment to the Ministry of Construction.

    The company develops a selective calling system, applies it to taxi radio systems, and delivers it to Toyo Kotsu.

    The company begins production of the EF-300 electric fan and motors.

1960
  • Capital:
    2.4 billion yen

  • The company begins full-scale production of color televisions.

    The company produces and launches the 21-inch and 17-inch color televisions, 21CC-F, 21CT-F, and 17CT-G.

    The company launches the 14-inch double-sided, two-speaker console-type monochrome television “X-Line” models 14SB and 14KB.

    The company begins of Ge alloy-type transistors.

    The company develops the transistorized FM radio equipment Mini-Line series.

    Delivers 400-MHz-band FM radio equipment to Nippon Express.

    The company launches its first window-type air conditioner, EA-55A.

1961

  • Delivers the aircraft VHF/AM radio equipment GR-2 to airlines and other customers.

    Delivers a 900-MHz band ITV system to Nomura Securities.

    Delivers transistorized radio equipment for aircraft to the Japan Coast Guard.

    Delivers VHF-FM radio equipment to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

    Delivers FM portable radio equipment for helicopters to the National Police Agency.

    Delivers the micro-module portable radio equipment CP-5110 to the Japan Highway Public Corporation.

1962
  • Capital:
    3.6 billion yen

  • Delivers 400-MHz-band FM radio equipment to Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    Delivers ultra-compact transistorized radio equipment to Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

    The company launches the groundwater-cooled air conditioner, AC-6502C.

1963

  • General Lighting Equipment Co., Ltd. renamed General Denko Co., Ltd.

  • The company launches all-transistor six- and nine-inch monochrome televisions, GTM-6 and GTH-9, featuring cathode-ray tubes with 90-degree deflection.

    The company begins production of the twin-tub electric washing machine with spin dryer EW-55.

    Delivers radio equipment with selective calling devices to Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    Delivers relay radio equipment to the Metropolitan Police Department.

1964
  • Capital:
    5.4 billion yen

    General Denshi Kogyo Co., Ltd. established in Ichinoseki, Iwate.

  • The company begins production of television chassis and radios.

    Delivers micromodule radio equipment to Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    The company produces Japan’s first transistorized film camera for television studios, TKV-4, and delivers it to NHK.

    The company launches the world’s first nine-inch, line-sequential, all-transistor color television, “Colornet” GTC-9. The model features the single-gun color picture tube “Colornetron,” jointly researched and developed with Kobe Industries Corp.

    The company begins the development of electronic desktop calculators.

    The company begins mass production of the window-type air conditioner, AL-841C.

1965

  • The company develops 400-MHz-band taxi radio equipment.

    The company develops transistorized radio equipment for police use.

    The company develops the mobile telemetry system, ZD-101.

    Delivers radio equipment to the Japan Highway Public Corporation.

    Delivers color master control equipment to Nishinippon Broadcasting.

    The company withdraws from transistor production.

    Delivers ITV equipment to the Japan Defense Agency’s Antarctic research vessel “Fuji.”

    Research into thick- and thin-film hybrid ICs begins.

1966
  • Capital reduced to
    1.56 billion yen.

    Yaou Electric Co, Ltd. renamed General Ltd.

  • Delivers 400-MHz-band centralized base-station radio equipment for taxi use to the Mobile Radio Center.

    Delivers control units for vehicle-mounted radio equipment to the Japan Defense Agency.

    Delivers transistorized FM and SSB radio equipment to the Tokyo Fire Department.

    The company develops various micromodules for communications equipment.

    The company launches the industry’s first fully automatic-tuning stereo, KHR-832D.

1967

  • Shinjo Denki Ltd. established in Shinjo, Yamagata; begins production of monochrome televisions.

    Manufacturing lines of the Kawasaki Head Office Plant fully converted to color television production.

    Noheji General Co., Ltd. established (current Aomori Business Office); begins production of kotatsu (heated tables) and washing machine motors.

  • Delivers an FM-FM multiplex telemetry system to Nissan.

    Delivers a water-supply telemetry system to the Nagahama City Waterworks Bureau.

1968

  • The company develops the fully transistorized 16-digit calculator, ECD-101, and begins production and sales.

1969
  • Capital:
    2.34 billion yen

  • The company develops radio equipment equipped with tone squelch.

    Delivers fully transistorized radio equipment to the National Police Agency and Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    Delivers three-tube color cameras to NHK.

    The company launches the window-type air conditioner, “Home Run Cool” AL-845C, equipped with a proprietary airflow mechanism.

    The company develops the world’s first electronic cash register, ECR22-45.

    The company develops the calculator, EDC-1400.

    The company becomes Japan’s first to obtain the Anti-Corrosion Mark (a product recommendation mark of the Japan Association of Corrosion Control) for electric washing machines and electric refrigerators.

    The company begins exports of the 12-inch vacuum-tube color television, 12-APCU, to the U.S. (5,000 units).

1970

  • Production of air-conditioner motors begins at Noheji General Co., Ltd.

  • The company begins development of a crossbar-switching fire and emergency dispatch system.

    The company develops 150-MHz-band radio equipment, CM-557 and CM-548.

    The company launches Japan’s first SCR-deflection 20-inch IC all-transistor color television, 20-CTR.

    The company begins production of hybrid ICs for televisions.

1971

  • The company launches the cassette-type air conditioner, “min min” ALM-14A, designed for easy window and wall installation; “min min” subsequently becomes the nickname for the company’s air conditioners.

    The company begins production of the industry’s first split-type air conditioner with a built-in ventilation unit.

    The company begins exports of the window-type air conditioner, AL-6500C, to the Middle East (Kuwait).

    The company begins production of fan motors for window-type air conditioners for the Middle East (with aluminum brackets, dust-resistant bearings, and an over-temperature protector).

    The company develops a PAL-S decoder and begins exports of 13-inch color television receivers to Europe.

    Delivers wireless paging devices to the Tokyo Fire Department.

    The company begins exports of 27-MHz-band CB transceivers to the U.S.

1972

  • Shinjo Denki Ltd. renamed Shinjo General Co., Ltd.

  • The company launches the industry’s first 20-inch touch-tuning color television, “Golden Dynasty” 20C-9100.

    The company launches the industry’s first 20-inch color television with a dial-type ultrasonic remote control, 20C-911TL.

    The 62-liter-class single-door compact refrigerator achieves the No. 1 market share.

    Delivers the first fire and emergency dispatch system to the Amatobu Fire Department, Aichi.

1973
  • Capital:
    2.44 billion yen

    Chubu General Co., Ltd. established in Hosoe, Shizuoka (current Hamamatsu Business Office).

    Noheji General Co., Ltd. renamed Aomori General Co., Ltd.

    The company enters into a technology licensing agreement with Taisei Industry Co., Ltd. in Taiwan for room air conditioners.

  • The company enters the local-government emergency broadcast system market.

    Delivers an automatic frequency-switching system to the National Police Agency.

    Delivers 150-MHz-band dual-use in-vehicle/portable radio equipment to the Tokyo Fire Department.

1974

  • Aomori General Co., Ltd. Shichinohe Plant completed in Shichinohe, Aomori (current Aomori Business Office); begins integrated production of air-conditioner motors.

    Second floor of Kawasaki Plant destroyed in fire.

  • Delivers 150-MHz-band radio sirens to the Tokyo Fire Department.

    The company launches the calculator with printer, EDC-1206P.

    The company launches the split-type air conditioner, ALS-18F, equipped with a circulator using a downward-blow airflow system.

1975

  • The company develops modular portable radio equipment and hybrid-IC radio equipment for fire-service use.

    Delivers an air-traffic-control console to the Japan Defense Agency.

    The company launches the pocket calculator, EDC-8103.

    The company launches the industry’s lowest-power-consumption 14-inch color television (63 W), the red-cabinet “Red 63” models 14P-A1 and 14P-A2.

1976
  • Capital:
    2.65 billion yen

    Teknika Electronics Corp. established in New York, U.S.

    Yonezawa General Co., Ltd. established in Yonezawa, Yamagata; begins assembly of television circuit boards.

  • Survey and research on 400-MHz-band FDM multiplex radio equipment conducted.

1977

  • Teleton Electro (U.K.) Co., Ltd. established in London, United Kingdom.

    Chubu General Co., Ltd. plant (current Hamamatsu Business Office) completed; production of room air conditioners and heat exchangers for export begins.

  • Delivers the kanji editing system, KK-202, to major newspaper companies.

    Delivers special-effects equipment to NHK regional stations.

    Research into PCM-based time-division multiplexing of voice signals begins.

    Delivers the local-government emergency broadcast system control system, RC-810, to Tenryu City.

1978

  • General Colour Pty Ltd. established in Arndell Park, Australia.

    GCJ Electronics (Europe) GmbH established in Düsseldorf, Germany.

  • Delivers the ultra-compact waterproof portable radio equipment CP-5129 to the Tokyo Fire Department.

    The company develops an AVM system for taxis.

    Delivers hybrid-IC-based portable radio equipment to Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    The company launches the electronic cash registers, ECR-G11 and G11A.

    Delivers the local-government emergency broadcast system console, RC-810, to the Izumo City Agricultural Cooperative and Ozu City.

1979

  • Delivers a command and communications vehicle to the Sakai City Fire Department.

    Delivers the local-government emergency broadcast system console, RC-810, to Ebina City.

1980
  • Capital:
    2.71 billion yen

    Genebras Eletronica Ltda. established in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

  • Delivers security emergency reporting systems to the Ministry of Justice.

    The company launches the ultra-energy-saving split-type air conditioner, ALS-18LL. With a high energy efficiency ratio of 3.6, it meets the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s Moonlight Project targets.

1981

  • The company participates in the Radio Technical Council’s digital mobile radio development; it conducts survey experiments over four years.

    The company participates in the Multi Channel Access (MCA) Development Committee.

    The company participates in the Design Survey Committee for future mobile radio systems.

  • The company begins exports of the industry’s first 26-inch separate-type FM simulcast-compatible AV color television system to the U.S.: ATV-M25 (monitor), ATV-R (receiver), and ATV-S (speaker).

    The company launches the energy-saving large-capacity door-in-door electric refrigerator, “Refref” ER-25MA, featuring a mini door in the refrigerator compartment.

1982

  • The company participates in the Design and Procurement Committee for future mobile radio systems.

  • The company launches the industry’s first air conditioner equipped with a mechatronic remote control, a two-stage energy-saving mechanism, and an air-circulator panel.

    The company launches the twin-tub washing machine, EW-D1, equipped with the Sprinkle mechanism, which allows powdered detergent to dissolve in water. The company develops the MCA radio equipment CM-851.

1983
  • Capital:
    2.77 billion yen

  • The company launches Japan’s first MSX BASIC personal computer with a built-in 16 KB memory, integrated into a 15-inch color television, PCT-50 (MSX BASIC is developed by Microsoft of the U.S.).

    The company develops the world’s first frost-free rapid-freezing system based on the heat transfer principle of heat pipes, “KOORYANSE.” It installs the system in refrigerator-freezers, including ER-25WA and ER-28WV, and launches both models.

    The company develops the systemized high-end cash register, ECR G5800.

1984
  • Capital:
    3.71 billion yen

    The company increases capital through a business alliance and capital tie-up with Fujitsu.

    Shirakawa General Co., Ltd. established in Shirakawa, Fukushima.

  • The company develops a portable on-site telephone.

    The company develops the electronic fire and emergency dispatch system, HA-305.

1985
  • Capital:
    6.27 billion yen

    General Ltd. renamed Fujitsu General Ltd.

    Fujitsu General System Engineering Ltd. (FGS) established in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

  • The company launches the heat pump air conditioners, ALS-22BPRD, equipped with a double warm-air outlet dash inverter, and ALS-22BHV.

    The company begins exports of compact two-room multi-split air conditioners.

    The company commercializes the industry’s first four-duct system refrigerator, ER-326CV, with dedicated ducts and temperature sensors for the freezer, refrigerator, chilled, and vegetable compartments.

1986
  • Capital:
    8.42 billion yen

    New research laboratory building completed at Kawasaki Head Office.

    The company absorbs General Denshi Kogyo Co., Ltd., Shinjo General Co., Ltd., Chubu General Co., Ltd., and Shirakawa General Co., Ltd.

    FGL (H.K) Ltd. (current Hong Kong Sales Office) established in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

  • The company develops the industry’s first touch-screen fire and emergency dispatch system, HA-105, and delivers it to the Iida Wide Area Fire Department.

    The company develops the world’s first defrosting system that applies the heat transfer principle of heat pipes and utilizes compressor exhaust heat. It installs the system in the refrigerator-freezer ER-327KVX and launches the ER-327KVX.

    The company launches the fully automatic washing machine, EW-4000W.

    The company develops the 150-MHz-band vehicle-mounted radio equipment for fire-service operations, CM-5538.

    The company develops vehicle-mounted radio equipment for local-government emergency broadcast systems, CM-4450T (5W) and CM-4550T (10W).

1987
  • Capital:
    10.69 billion yen

    The company acquires an equity stake in Taisei Industry.

  • Delivers an AVM system to Crown Taxi.

    The company begins production of brushless DC motors for split-type air-conditioner indoor units.

1988
  • Capital:
    13.38 billion yen
1989

  • The company renames the air-conditioner nickname from “min min” to “Sylphide.”

    The company launches the industry’s first heating-cooling-dehumidifying air conditioners featuring 1/f fluctuation, AS28RPR and AS25RPR.

    The company launches the split oil heaters, KH-35P and KB-50PS.

    The company develops the touch-screen fire and emergency dispatch system, HA-505, equipped with advanced search functions.

    The company launches the consumption-tax-compliant electronic cash register, ECR G7200.

1990

  • FGL da Amazonia Eletronica Industria e Comercio Ltda established in Manaus, Brazil; begins production and sales of calculators.

  • The company launches the heating-cooling-dehumidifying air conditioners, AS28RPD and AS32RPD, equipped with an electric air-purifying function.

    The company develops the semi-automatic AVM system, HD-525.

    The company develops an AVM-linked customer search system for taxis.

    After obtaining the BL (Better Living) certification for firefighting equipment, the company launches the HA system, LIS1000.

1991
  • Capital:
    15.81 billion yen

    The company increases capital through a third-party allotment.

    Fujitsu General (Thailand) Co., Ltd. established in Chonburi, Thailand, to manufacture air conditioners.

  • The company launches the “Sylphide” AS28SPE air conditioner.

    Equipped with a lambda-shaped heat exchanger, achieving industry-leading low noise levels, and featuring neuro-fuzzy functionality, the company launches the “Mighty Compact” air conditioners, AS28TPR and AS25TPR.

1992

  • Plant at Fujitsu General (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Chonburi, Thailand, begins operations.

  • The company launches the BS/CS broadcast reception system “Space Master,” the industry’s first automatic antenna-tracking system.

    The company launches the industry’s first 29-inch television equipped with a built-in BS/CS tuner for BS/CS satellite broadcast reception, BC-29M65.

    The company launches the “Mighty Compact L” air conditioners, AS40VPR2 and AS32VPR, the industry’s first models equipped with a power-selection function.

1993

  • Service division spun off to form Fujitsu General Customer Service Ltd. in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

  • The company develops the industry’s smallest and highest-level waterproof portable radio equipment for fire-service operations, CP-5161T (1W) and CP-5461T (5W).

    The company launches the world’s first 21-inch plasma display, “Plasmavision-M21” PDS-1000, and the plasma television “Plasmavision-T21” PDT-2100.

    The company begins exports of compact four-room multi-split air conditioners.

1994

  • Ichinoseki Plant spun off to form Ichinoseki Fujitsu General Ltd.

    Fujitsu General (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. established in Shanghai, China, to manufacture air conditioners.

  • The company launches the hot-water room heater “Hotman.”

    The company develops a GPS-based AVM system enabling the industry’s fastest taxi dispatch.

    The company develops the Sky Ace 71 series two-way radios.

1995
  • Capital:
    17.56 billion yen

    Fujitsu General America, Inc. established in New Jersey, U.S.

  • The company develops the industry’s first power diffuser (warm air foot-level mechanism) and launches the DC inverter air conditioner, AS25APD.

    The company develops the fire and emergency dispatch system, HA-820, utilizing a PC network.

1996

  • Plant at Fujitsu General (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. begins operations.

  • The company's prototype 42-inch plasma television provided by Fujitsu to three major U.S. television networks for use at the Atlanta Olympic Games.

    The company launches the world’s first 42-inch full-color plasma television, “Home Theater” PDW4201, and the display model PDS4201.

    The company launches the air conditioner, AS-28BPD, achieving industry top-class energy efficiency with a 30% reduction in electricity costs.

    The company develops the industry’s first touch-screen operation console for local-government emergency broadcast systems, RC-6100.

1997

  • Hamamatsu Plant spun off to form Hamamatsu Fujitsu General Ltd.

    Fujitsu General (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore Tech Center) established.

    Fujitsu General EMC Laboratory Limited. established in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

    Fujitsu General Network Applications Ltd. established in Sendai, Miyagi.

    Fujitsu General Refrigeration Ltd. established in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

    Hamamatsu Plant obtains ISO9002 certification.

  • Featuring industry top-class energy-saving performance, the industry’s first heat-exchanger capacity control enabling “Sarasara Cooling” (cooling with high-performance dehumidification) and “Sarasara Dry” (high-performance dehumidification) functions, and a double defrost mechanism, the company launches room air conditioners, including AS40CPE2 and AS28CPE.

1998

  • FGA (Thailand) Co., Ltd. established in Chonburi, Thailand.

    Fujitsu General (Middle East) FZE established in Dubai, UAE.

    Shanghai Plant, Taiwan Plant, and Thailand Plant obtain ISO 9002 certification.

  • The company develops the air-conditioner-dedicated inverter control mechanism, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).

    Featuring industry-first movable intake panels and IPM, the company launches the “Advanced Respiration” air conditioners, AS40EPX2, AS28EPF, and AS25EPF.

    The company develops the vehicle-mounted radio equipment for fire-service operations, CM-5066MT.

1999

  • Fujitsu General Engineering (Thailand) Co., Ltd. established.

    Fujitsu General Electronics Limited established in Ichinoseki, Iwate.

    The company enters into an air-conditioner technology alliance agreement with ETA General Private Limited (India).

    The company releases the registered trademark “Home Theater” for visual displays.

    The air conditioner division obtains ISO 9001 certification.

    Head office business site air conditioner division and Hamamatsu Plant obtain ISO 14001 certification.

    Shanghai Plant, Taiwan Plant, and Thailand Plant obtain ISO 14001 certification.

  • The company launches the "Advanced Respiration V" series air conditioners, AS40FPV2, AS28FPV, and AS22FPV.

    The company begins exports of multi-split air conditioners for non-residential buildings.

    The company launches heated carpets with a 99% reduction in electromagnetic emissions.

2000

  • Fuji Eco Cycle Co., Ltd. established in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, to recycle home appliances.

    Joint-venture company Aircon Japan S.A.E established in Egypt to produce and sell air conditioners.

    60m height difference test tower installed at Hamamatsu Fujitsu General Ltd.

    The company signs an alliance agreement with Indian company ETA General Private Limited (EGPL) for the production and sale of air conditioners.

  • Featuring industry top-class energy-saving performance and an electric air-purifying function, the company launches the air conditioners "Advanced Respiration Plasma Aero V" AS28GPV and AS40GPV2.

    The company launches the industry’s first suction-cooled refrigerator, “Neostage” ER-W42PG.

2001

  • Fujitsu General Laboratory of Air-Conditioning Technology Ltd. established at Kawasaki Head Office.

    The company enters the market for multi-split air-conditioning systems with the establishment of a technical support center for VRF multi-split air-conditioning systems for non-residential buildings in London, the United Kingdom.

    Manufacturing subsidiaries in Hamamatsu and Taiwan closed; air-conditioner production consolidated at subsidiaries Fujitsu General (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu General (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

    The company obtains certification for an integrated company-wide ISO 14001.

  • The company develops the digital fire and emergency dispatch system, HA-2000.

    Next-generation fire and emergency communication command system featuring Internet-based digital technology receives the Ohm Technology Award from the Promotion Foundation for Electrical Science and Engineering.

    The company develops the world’s first full-digital video processor and image-processing engine dedicated to plasma displays, “AVM” (Advanced Video Movement).

2002

  • Manufacturing subsidiary in Taichung, Taiwan, dissolved.

    Fujitsu General (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. established.

  • The company develops the fully digital total system for local-government emergency broadcast systems, RC-7000.

    Delivers a fully digital local-government emergency broadcast system (simultaneous broadcast type) to Nagoya City.

    The world’s first 42-inch “Plasmavision-W” PDS4241 (AVM-equipped model) receives the Emmy Award 2002 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (U.S.).

    The company announces the multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings, “AIRSTAGE.”

2003

  • The company establishes F.G.L.S. Electric Co., Ltd., a motor manufacturing company in China, as a joint venture with the Little Swan Group (China).

  • The company launches the new-concept air conditioner, “nocria” AS28JPZ, featuring the world’s first automatic filter cleaning mechanism.

2004
  • Capital:
    17.93 billion yen

    Plant at F.G.L.S. Electric Co., Ltd. begins operations.

    The company terminates the refrigerator business and dissolves Fujitsu General Refrigeration Co., Ltd.

  • The company develops the world’s first axial-gap fan motor for air conditioners, MFD-71PO.

2005

  • Fujitsu General Visual Systems (Europe) SAS established in France as a base for selling visual displays in Europe.

    Taiwan Fujitsu General Co., Ltd. (Taichung, Taiwan) completes liquidation.

    The company acquires the municipal local-government emergency broadcast system business through a business transfer from Fujitsu Limited.

    The company introduces a corporate vice president system.

  • The company develops the digital radio taxi dispatch system, HD-710.

    The company develops the digital taxi radio equipment, CM-4157DG.

    The company launches the high-performance deodorizer for home use, DAS-30P.

    The company develops the broadband-network-compatible full-digital command and control system, HA-3000.

2006

  • The company establishes Fujitsu General Central Air-conditioner (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. in Wuxi, China, as a joint venture with Wuxi Little Swan Central Air Conditioner Co., Ltd. for the multi-split air-conditioning business for non-residential buildings in China.

    The company establishes Fujitsu General Orient International Electronics Sales (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China, as a joint venture with Orient International (Holding) Co., Ltd. for room air-conditioner sales in China.

    The company establishes the Office of Global Demand Chain Management to oversee company-wide production, procurement, sales, logistics, and inventory planning.

    Aomori Fujitsu General Ltd. dissolved and integrated into Fujitsu General Limited as the Aomori Business Office.

  • The company develops a multi-path heat exchanger with approximately twice the dehumidification performance of previous models, installs the technology in the “nocria” series AS-Z71R2, AS-Z63R2, AS-Z50R2, AS-Z40R2, and AS-Z28R, and launches these models.

    The company develops the two-way information providing system “UBWALL,” compatible with FeliCa and using PDP monitors.

    The company develops an axial motor for electric bicycles and installs it in electric bicycles manufactured by Sunstar Engineering.

    The company launches the high-performance deodorizer for home use, DAS-301R.

2007
  • Capital:
    18.09 billion yen

    The firefighting systems business obtains ISO 27001 certification for information security.

    Fujitsu General Visual Systems (Europe) SAS (France) dissolved.

    FG Eurofred Limited established in the UK as a joint venture between Fujitsu General (UK) and Eurofred UK to sell air conditioners and provide related services in the UK.

    The Air Conditioner R&D Center completed at the Kawasaki Head Office.

  • The company receives an order for a digital radio taxi dispatch system from the Chuo Musen Taxi Cooperative.

    The company launches the overseas add-on multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings, the “AIRSTAGE” V series.

2008

  • The company terminates the consumer visual display business.

    Plant at Fujitsu General Central Air-conditioner (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. completed; operations begin.

    The company transfers shares of Fujitsu General System Engineering Ltd. to Fujitsu Limited.

  • The company launches the “nocria” Z series AS-Z71T2, AS-Z63T2, AS-Z50T2, AS-Z40T2, and AS-Z28T, featuring the industry's smallest indoor unit height of 25 cm and achieving industry-leading energy-saving performance and high-power heating.

    The company launches the “nocria” S series AS-S40T2, AS-S28T, AS-S25T, and AS-S22T, featuring the industry's smallest indoor unit measuring 72.8 cm in width and 25 cm in height.

    Delivers a firefighting radio system to the venue of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.

    The company develops a two-cylinder rotary compressor for medium- and large-capacity air conditioners.

2009

  • Shinjo Fujitsu General Ltd. dissolved.

    Plant for producing air conditioner compressors begins operations at FGA (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

  • Air conditioners ASU9 and 12RLS receive the Honorable Mention at the ASHRAE EXPO 2009 Innovation Awards (U.S.).

    The company launches the overseas add-on multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings, the “AIRSTAGE” V-II series.

    The company receives the GfK No.1 Award in the Australian room air-conditioning market for five consecutive years.

    The company launches the plasma-ion UV deodorizer, “PLAZION” DAS-301V.

    Delivers a multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings to the World Trade Center Changzhou in China.

    The company receives the "Australia’s most efficient single-phase air conditioner 2009–10" award for the second consecutive year.

2010

  • Fuji Eco Cycle Co., Ltd. which is engaged in the home appliance recycling business, relocates to a new plant in the Hamamatsu Business Office.

  • The company jointly develops an outpatient guidance solution using electronic paper with Fujitsu Limited.

    The company develops home-use multi-split inverter air conditioners (with Branch Box unit) for the North American market, capable of serving up to eight rooms.

    The company installs Japan’s first digital fire and emergency radio system (SCPC method) at the Okayama Fire Department.

2011

  • To expand the air conditioner business, the company transfers part of the headquarters’ product-design functions to Fujitsu General (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu General Engineering (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

  • The company launches the “nocria” Z and S series, the industry’s first models equipped with RF wireless remote controls and computer-based electricity-cost management functions.

    The company launches the all-season electric carpet, FHC-13A.

    Overseas inverter air conditioners of the LT and LU series receive the authoritative iF Product Design Award 2012 and Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2012 in Germany.

2012

  • Fujitsu General (Euro) GmbH, Moscow Representative Office opened.

    Joint-venture company TCFG Compressor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. established to manufacture compressors in Thailand.

  • The company launches the compact-type deodorizer "PLAZION."

    The company launches the “AIRSTAGE” VR-II series featuring a multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings and simultaneous cooling and heating operation.

2013

  • The company expands its technical center in Shanghai, China.

    Fujitsu General Electronics Limited begins operations of a new plant in Ichinoseki, Iwate.

  • The company launches the “nocria” X series equipped with Dual Blaster, achieving unprecedented comfort with two types of airflow for the first time in the world.

2014

  • The company launches the “AIRSTAGE” J-II S series multi-split air-conditioning system for residential use in the Chinese market.

    The company launches the “AIRSTAGE” V-III series VRF multi-split air-conditioning system for non-residential buildings.

    The company launches an electric dust-collection humidifying air purifier featuring a self-regenerating deodorizing unit in the Japanese and Chinese markets.

    The company develops the handheld wireless terminal “NAVIT” for hospital outpatient guidance system. "NAVIT" is integrated with Fujitsu Limited's electronic medical record system.

2016

  • UK air-conditioning sales and service company FG Eurofred Limited renamed to Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK) Ltd.

    Fujitsu General Laboratories Limited established to strengthen R&D into future technology company-wide; Fujitsu General Air-Conditioning Technology Laboratory Ltd. dissolved.

    R&D center at Fujitsu General Engineering (Thailand) Co., Ltd. completed.

    The company reaches a basic agreement with Rheem, a U.S. manufacturer of air-conditioning and water-heating equipment, toward a comprehensive partnership in the North American air conditioner business.

2017

  • R&D centers established within company subsidiaries in U.S. and Europe.

    The company reaches a basic agreement with G.I. Holding S.p.A. of Italy toward comprehensive partnership.

    The company begins collaborating on commercial air-conditioning systems with U.S. company Ventacity Systems Inc.

2018

  • Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2018 (Large Enterprise Category, White 500), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Nippon Kenko Kaigi (Japan Health Council).

    Fujitsu General Electronics Limited establishes Fujitsu General Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. as a sales subsidiary in China.

    Indian air-conditioning design, installation, and service company ABS Aircon Engineers Private Limited becomes subsidiary.

    Acquires all shares of Australian air-conditioning service and maintenance company Precise Air Group (Holdings) Pty Limited; company becomes wholly owned subsidiary.

    Fujitsu General (India) Private Limited established in India.

  • The company launches the “AIRSTAGE” J-III L series, featuring a multi-split air-conditioning system for shops and offices, and the industry's smallest compact outdoor unit.

    The company launches the world's first ceiling-embedded indoor unit featuring movable air outlets on both sides that deliver airflow to the entire room.

    The company develops a prototype of a wearable cooling device and exhibits it at CEATEC JAPAN 2018.

2019

  • Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2019 (Large Enterprise Category, White 500), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan Health Council.

    Italian company F.G. Europe Italia S.p.A., under European distributor F.G. Europe S.A., becomes subsidiary.

    Fujitsu General OS Technology Limited established through a joint investment with Outsourcing Technology Inc.

    Innovation & Communication Center (ICC) in Kawasaki completed.

    Second plant at Fujitsu General (Thailand) Co., Ltd. begins operations.

    Certified as Sports Yell Company 2019 by the Japan Sports Agency.

  • The company launches the AI air conditioner “nocria” X series featuring a built-in wireless LAN adapter.

    Wall-mounted air conditioners “nocria” Z / M series and KP series receive the Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2019.

    The company launches the “nocria” HM series indoor ceiling-embedded air conditioner featuring movable air outlets on both sides to deliver airflow to the entire room.

2020

  • The company begins air-conditioning business in India under a direct sales structure through Fujitsu General (India) Private Limited.

    Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2020 (Large Enterprise Category), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan Health Council.

    Advanced Engineering Lab begins operations within ICC at the Kawasaki Head Office to accelerate innovation in development processes and the commercialization of new technologies.

    Fujitsu General Commercial Air Conditioning Italia S.p.A becomes wholly owned subsidiary.

    Fujitsu General Orient International Electronics Sales (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. becomes wholly owned subsidiary.

    Fujitsu General (U.K.) Co., Ltd. merged into Fujitsu General (EURO) GmbH.

  • Remote controller for the “nocria” X series receives the iF Product Design Award 2020.

    Ceiling-type indoor units of the “nocria” SV series receive the Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2020.

    The company begins providing wearable air conditioner “Cómodo gear” for workers in harsh environments such as security, construction, factories, and event venues.

    The company launches the first HVAC system with a multi-positional air-handling indoor unit, jointly developed with U.S. partner, Rheem.

    The company launches the “nocria” X series, an industry first that uses AI to disinfect the heat exchanger when users are away, and removes mold and bacteria in line with the learned lifestyle rhythm of the user.

    The “nocria” HM series receives the Energy Conservation Center, Japan's Prize of the Chairman of ECCJ award in the 2020 Energy Conservation Best Products and Business Models category.

2021

  • Fujitsu General Orient International Electronics Sales (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. renamed Fujitsu General Sales & Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

    Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2021 (Large Enterprise Category, White 500), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan Health Council.

    Basic policy for sustainability management formulated.

    Ultraviolet irradiation equipment manufacturer Aero Shield Co., Ltd. becomes subsidiary.

    Fujitsu General Commercial Air Conditioning Italia S.p.A renamed Fujitsu General (Italia) S.p.A.

    The company participates in the Next Generation HVAC Innovation Challenges, organized by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It utilizes its Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF/multi-split air conditioners for small-to-medium stores and offices) systems to demonstrate the energy-saving performance of heat pump technology.

    The company begins operation of the “Sustainable Products” system as an internal certification scheme for approving products and services with the potential to address social issues.

    Registers the matrix converter technology with WIPO GREEN to promote the company's proprietary technology while contributing to SDGs initiatives.

    The company demonstrates the effectiveness of the industry-first n-UV technology (proprietary technology for horizontal ultraviolet irradiation) to inactivate airborne COVID-19 virus by more than 99% in one minute.

  • The company launches the “nocria” Z series, equipped with Double AI to realize a hygienic and comfortable space perfectly suited to the user.

    The “nocria” Z series air conditioner and the “nocria” X series simple remote controller receive Red Dot Award 2021.

    Ceiling-type indoor units receive the Best Product of the Year in the Sanitary & Air Conditioning category of the Plus X Award 2021.

    Fujitsu General (Aust.) Pty Ltd. receives the Trusted Brands Australia 2021 Winner award in the air conditioner category for the fourth consecutive year.

    Fujitsu General Electronics Limited develops an industry-first small GaN module, incorporating a high-voltage GaN-FET chip based on advanced modularization technology.

    The company launches the new “Cómodo gear i2” wearable air conditioner.

    “Cómodo gear i2” and “nocria” Z series receive the Good Design Award 2021; “Cómodo gear i2” also selected for the Best 100.

    The company launches the “Gokudan nocria” ZN series, a line of “Sustainable Product Gold”-certified air conditioners with enhanced heating performance.

    The company develops "AERO SHIELD," a system for ambulances that improves air quality through ultraviolet irradiation.

2022

  • The company demonstrates that the Two-Stage Plasma Air Cleaning Technology is effective in reducing airborne COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2, Delta variant) by 99.9% in 10 minutes.

    Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2022 (Large Enterprise Category), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan Health Council.

    The company transitions electricity used in business activities to 100% renewable energy, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use at all global sites.

    Promotional video "Harmonized UX Design" receives one of the three major international design awards, the Red Dot Design Award: Brand & Communication Design.

    The company receives the prestigious Good Design Award 2022 and the Red Dot Design Award 2022 for initiatives enhancing product experiential value.

    FG South East Europe SA in Greece becomes subsidiary to support business expansion in Europe.

    FGAHP established as a joint venture for manufacturing products within Europe. It starts local production of ATW (air to water) systems with a view to achieving a decarbonized society.

  • The company launches the “nocria” X series and Z series with enhanced heating functions and the industry's first smartphone remote controller mode.

    The company jointly develops with Kobe University a new technology, SIAFOLS*1, that more reliably delivers broadcasts from local-government emergency broadcast systems.

    Fujitsu General (Aust.) Pty Ltd., the company’s Australian sales subsidiary, receives the Trusted Brands Australia 2022 Winner award in the air conditioner category for the fifth consecutive year.

    “nocria” (AS28JPZ released in 2003), the world's first air conditioner equipped with an automatic filter cleaning mechanism*2, registered in the Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology (Heritage of Future Technology) for FY2022.

    Instruction manual for Japan-market “nocria” Z series room air conditioners receives the Jury Special Award at the Japan Manual Awards 2022.

    The company launches the “Gokudan nocria” ZN series, a line of air conditioners with enhanced heating performance.

    The company launches the “nocria” X series and Z series with a feature to prevent the growth of mold in the air conditioner and enhanced heating functions.

    *1:
    Sound Improvement Algorithm For Outdoor Loudspeaker Stations
    *2:
    Refers to the automatic filter cleaning mechanism for wall-mounted air conditioners. The product launched on March 21, 2003, as the world's first air conditioner to be equipped with such a mechanism. Based on in-house research.
2023

  • Certified as Health & Productivity Management Organization 2023 (Large Enterprise Category, White 500), jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan Health Council.

    Norwegian distributor Kløver Vest Holdings AS becomes subsidiary to promote decarbonization and expand business in Europe.

    Acquires TCFG Compressor (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a company engaged in manufacturing and selling key components for air conditioners; company becomes wholly owned subsidiary.

  • The company launches the mid-range “nocria” W series, designed to support everyday living, achieving new energy-saving standards for the target year of 2027 across all eight models.

    The company launches the “AIRSTAGE Cloud” for the U.S. market, a service that provides remote control and maintenance of commercial air conditioners. It also launches the “AIRSTAGE Edge Controller” equipped with a feature-rich interface.

    The company releases “AIRSTAGE” VU-V multi-split air conditioners for large buildings in the U.S. market.

    The company launches “Cómodo gear i3,” a new model of wearable air conditioner, newly available for sale in addition to the rental format used for earlier products.

    The company launches "CONDITIONING BACKPACK," a backpack equipped with a cooler developed in collaboration with Mizuno Corporation and Makuake, Inc.

    "KAGAMI," a wired remote controller for wall-mounted air conditioners marketed in North America, selected as a finalist in the IDEA 2023 design awards in the U.S.

    The company launches the “Gokudan nocria” ZN series, air conditioners with enhanced heating performance designed for cold regions.

    "CONDITIONING BACKPACK" receives the Good Design Award 2023.

2024

  • The company signs a memorandum of understanding with Budderfly Inc., a U.S. EaaS company, and begins sales of VRF systems and “AIRSTAGE Cloud” for the North American light commercial market.

    Fujitsu General Heartware Ltd. obtains Monisu certification as an excellent small and medium-sized enterprise employer for persons with disabilities.

  • Wired remote controller for overseas air conditioners receives the Red Dot Design Award 2024.

    Overseas cooling-enhanced air conditioner KL series receives the Good Design Award 2024.

2025

  • Tender offer by Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. completed; delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.

    Becomes a member of the Paloma Rheem Holdings group.

  • The company launches the “nocria” W and L series, the industry’s first air conditioners allowing removal and cleaning of airflow passages.

    KL series, designed for high-temperature regions overseas, receives the Red Dot Design Award 2025.

2026

  • Company name changed to GENERAL Inc.

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