Becomes first Japanese company to achieve international railway industry standard for air conditioners

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that it has received the international railway industry standard (IRIS) certification for its railcar air conditioners. The company will accelerate its railcar equipment business especially in Europe, targeting 230 billion yen in global sales by fiscal 2016. Mitsubishi Electric is the first Japanese railcar air conditioner maker to be awarded the IRIS certification, issued by BSI Group Japan K.K., the official IRIS certifier in Japan.

The IRIS, established in 2006 by the European Rail Industry (UNIFE), is a globally recognized standard unique to the railway sector, and defines specific requirements for suppliers’ business management systems. The IRIS complements the internationally recognized ISO 9001 quality standard. A company needs to be IRIS certified in order to supply railcar equipment to major European railcar manufacturers.

Since 2003, Mitsubishi Electric has shipped, or is in the process of shipping, ceiling type air conditioners for a total of 1,883 coaches operated by railway authorities in Greece, Italy, Turkey and the U.K.

The railway industry expects an expansion in global demand. Construction plans are underway for high-speed railways in a variety of countries, and demand for development of social infrastructures in emerging nations is increasing. Mitsubishi Electric will continue strengthening its global railcar equipment business, aiming to double its current annual overseas sales and reach 230 billion yen in global sales by the fiscal year ending March 2016.

About Mitsubishi Electric

With over 85 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,353.2 billion yen (US$ 36.1 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com