Expansion Management

Toshiba Opens Myanmar Office to Serve Country's Growth

July 3, 2013

The company said it can provide 'stable power generation and transmission solutions that provide the backbone for economic growth for Myanmar.'

Adrienne Selko

Hoping to contribute to Myanmar's development across “our product lines, from infrastructure solutions to home electronics,” Hidejiro Shimomitsu, corporate senior executive vice president of Toshiba Corp. (IW 1000/38), celebrated the opening of an office Yangon in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The branch office, which opened on Tuesday, can provide assistance in the social infrastructure area as well as consumer products. The Myanmar economy is expected to grow as the government promotes economic deregulation and attracts inward direct investment, investments in social infrastructure, including power generation and distribution will be necessary.

"Toshiba can support providing stable power generation and transmission solutions that provide the backbone for economic growth for Myanmar" said Tetsuya Yoneda, the chief representative of the Yangon Branch Office. "Currently, in Myanmar, the power distribution per population is still limited to 25%, and this is planned to be expanded in the coming years. Toshiba has supplied equipment for Sedawgyi hydropower plant in 1985, and we aim to contribute more to the country infrastructure."

Shimomitsu also points out that the company’s home appliance business, which started in 1980, are currently the most popular brand in the country.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.