With branch offices in the Britain, Ireland, and Spain, Sanyo’s European air conditioning operations have their largest company in Italy in terms of both market share and sales.

In green-conscious Europe, the company has focused especially on environmental concerns. For example, Sanyo introduced environmentally friendly air conditioners a full three years before the European Union had prohibited the use of CFC gases.

So when the hot summer of 2003 yielded bumper sales for Sanyo not only in Italy but also in Spain, France, Germany and Portugal, the company got the chance of equipping a large number of homes and businesses with cooling units that are gentle to the environment.

Sanyo is promoting the use of its new “Eco Systems,” standing for both economical and ecological systems. “We 'think green' by being efficient,” Hori says.

The Milan location of Sanyo Air Conditioners Europe is ideal for serving its main market in southern Europe, while at the same time taking advantage of the efficiency of northern Italy.

Hori has other reasons for liking the location. "We have 40 people, and I like the people I work with. I like Italy, it’s a good place in which to do business. Italians have warm hearts." It’s just the place for a cooling rush of fresh air from Sanyo.