Mitsubishi Electric: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a major Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As a member of the Mitsubishi Group, it is renowned for its extensive portfolio spanning energy systems, factory automation, home appliances, transportation systems, semiconductors, and more. Mitsubishi Electric has played a pivotal role in advancing technological innovation worldwide, holding top rankings in patent applications and pioneering products such as high-speed elevators and advanced factory automation systems. This article sheds light on some fascinating facets of Mitsubishi Electric — from its historic origins and diverse products to modern innovations and contribution to sustainability.

1. Origins and Evolution

Mitsubishi Electric was established on January 15, 1921, as a spin-off from the electrical machinery division of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding (later Mitsubishi Heavy Industries). Its origins trace back to the broader Mitsubishi conglomerate founded in 1870 by Yataro Iwasaki. Initially, the company produced electric motors for ships, quickly expanding into television sets, elevators, air conditioning, and industrial equipment. Over a century, Mitsubishi Electric transformed into a global industry leader by continuously diversifying its product lines and global footprint, exemplifying its motto "Changes for the Better."

2. Global Presence and Scale

Headquartered in Tokyo's Marunouchi district, Mitsubishi Electric employs over 149,000 people worldwide and operates subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. It maintains a robust global supply, sales, and service network, enabling it to serve industries and consumers worldwide. In 2022, Mitsubishi Electric reported revenue of approximately 4.476 trillion yen (~$34 billion), reflecting its vast operational scale and importance in the electronics and electrical sectors.

3. Diverse Product Portfolio

Mitsubishi Electric manufactures a wide spectrum of products covering six main business domains:

Energy & Electric Systems: Power generation, transmission, distribution systems including renewable energy solutions.
Factory Automation: Programmable logic controllers, inverters, industrial robots, CNCs, and visualization tools.
Building Systems: Elevators, escalators, air conditioning, ventilation, and integrated building solutions.
Information & Communication Systems: Satellite communications, optical access systems, and high-speed data transmission.
Electronic Devices & Semiconductors: Power modules, sensors, high-frequency devices, optical devices, and TFT-LCD modules.
Transportation Systems: Rolling stock drive systems, railway power supply, signal and communication systems.

This diversity enables Mitsubishi Electric to cater to residential, commercial, industrial, automotive, and public infrastructure needs.

4. Innovation and Technological Leadership

Mitsubishi Electric has consistently led innovation globally, evidenced by their numerous technological milestones. It once held the world record for the fastest elevator inside the Yokohama Landmark Tower (750 m/min) and has developed proprietary technologies in AI supervisory elevator controls, spiral escalators, and high-speed optical systems. The company ranks fourth worldwide in international patent applications under the PCT system as of 2023, reflecting its ongoing commitment to R&D and technological advancement.

5. Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a core pillar of Mitsubishi Electric's strategy. It has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and invests substantially in environmentally conscious technologies such as energy-saving HVAC systems, photovoltaic power generation, and power electronics that minimize energy consumption. The company’s Environmental Sustainability Vision 2050 emphasizes developing products and solutions that reduce environmental impact, complemented by recycling initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts globally.

6. Factory Automation and Industry 4.0

Mitsubishi Electric is a prominent player in the global industrial automation arena, offering advanced factory automation components such as PLCs, inverters, servo systems, industrial robots (MELFA), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Embracing Industry 4.0, the company develops IoT and AI-powered solutions enabling smart factories with real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization, enhancing productivity and energy efficiency.

7. Elevators, Escalators, and Building Systems

As part of its building systems portfolio, Mitsubishi Electric supplies elevators and escalators renowned for precision, safety, and energy efficiency. The company introduced innovations like the world’s first commercial spiral escalator and incorporates AI and fuzzy logic for intelligent group elevator control, optimizing ride experience and traffic flow. Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation, a 2022 spin-off, undertakes logistics from manufacturing to maintenance and modernization globally.

8. Space Systems and Satellite Technology

Mitsubishi Electric is a key player in space technology, having developed and launched over 40 satellites. The company manufactures communication satellites, surveillance satellites, and next-generation space equipment, supported by state-of-the-art R&D centers. Its semiconductor and device technologies also support space applications, promoting data communication reliability and efficiency in harsh environments.

9. Recent Developments and Digital Transformation

The company is actively advancing digital transformation under the “Circular Digital-Engineering” initiative, utilizing its digital platform “Serendie” to integrate data across all business fields for innovation and enhanced customer value. In 2025, Mitsubishi Electric announced investments in AI-assisted PLM systems startups and expansion of semiconductor manufacturing facilities, signaling its focus on leveraging AI, IoT, and semiconductor capabilities to drive growth.

10. Corporate Philosophy and Social Contributions

Guided by the corporate motto “Changes for the Better,” Mitsubishi Electric emphasizes trust, quality, technology, citizenship, ethics, environment, and growth. Beyond business, the company participates in societal development via community projects, skill development programs, and sustainability initiatives worldwide, striving to contribute to a vibrant, sustainable society.

Conclusion

Mitsubishi Electric’s rich history, expansive product offering, and unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability underscore its status as a global leader in electrical and electronic systems. Its proactive approach to digital transformation, commitment to environmental goals, and ongoing technological breakthroughs position it well to meet future societal and industrial challenges. As it shapes the next century, Mitsubishi Electric continues to demonstrate how traditional industrial excellence can evolve through modern digital ingenuity to create a better, more sustainable future.