TOKYO – Global professional security, public safety and medical applications provider i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security) has signed an agreement with Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd., to take over the wholesale and marketing functions for i-PRO products in the Japanese market, currently managed by Panasonic Connect.
The transition is scheduled to be completed on March 31, 2026, following the necessary regulatory approvals, according to the company announcement.
Since becoming independent from Panasonic in 2019 through a capital partnership with Polaris Capital Group Co., Ltd., i-PRO has “focused on developing and manufacturing advanced security products, while sales in the Japanese market have been conducted through Panasonic Connect,” the announcement says.
“At the same time, we have also made efforts to develop our own sales channels,” according to the company announcement. By taking over the wholesale and marketing functions for our products from Panasonic Connect, i-PRO will strengthen its sales structure in the Japanese market and integrate development, manufacturing and sales into a unified organization.”
Why is i-PRO Taking Over Japan Wholesale and Marketing?
This integration “will enhance responsiveness to market needs, improve operational efficiency and reinforce competitiveness in the Japanese market,” the i-PRO announcement says. This approach “aligns with the regionally integrated management model that i-PRO has been implementing globally since 2019.”
Expected synergies of i-PRO taking over wholesale and marketing functions in Japan from Panasonic Connect include:
- Promote collaboration among manufacturing, product development, and sales to swiftly reflect market needs in products.
- Accelerate the deployment of global solutions in the Japanese market by promoting personnel exchanges with overseas offices.
- Enhance customer value and strengthen competitiveness through a more efficient and integrated value chain.
- Improve the quality of sales, proposals and after-sales service.
- Increase operational speed by simplifying business processes.
As of April 1, 2026, approximately 500 dealers who currently procure i-PRO products via Panasonic Connect will begin conducting business directly with i-PRO. Contracts with end-users purchasing through Panasonic Connect or Electric Works Company (Panasonic Corporation) will remain unchanged.
i-PRO “will continue to build long-term relationships with customers and deliver reliable, high-quality products and solutions that contribute to a safer and more secure society,” according to the company announcement.
