From its beginnings in Japan in 1936 as a home appliance manufacturer, GENERAL Inc. (formerly Fujitsu General Limited) has grown through decades of innovation, entering air conditioning in 1960, establishing its New Zealand presence in 1998, and continuing to evolve through award-winning design, smarter climate control, strong after-sales support, commercial expansion, and trusted local partnerships. Today, that journey highlights a long history of progress driven by global research and development and local milestones across New Zealand.
The company now enters a significant new chapter. Effective 1 January 2026, Fujitsu General New Zealand changed its trading name to GENERAL New Zealand, marking its next chapter as part of Paloma Rheem Holdings. The change follows Fujitsu General Limited’s integration into Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. in August 2025 and aligns with the global transition to GENERAL Inc. The change marks an important milestone in the company’s evolution, reinforcing its long-term commitment to customers, partners, and the New Zealand market, as 'New Zealand's Favourite Air'®, accelerating innovation and delivering comfort and value to New Zealand homes and businesses.
Explore our timeline to discover our journey through the years:
1936
Foundations in Home Innovation
Established as Yaou Shouten Ltd. The company moves from the manufacture of radios, loud speakers, electric phonographs, etc. into the manufacture of home electrical appliances
1953
Scaling Home Appliance Manufacturing
The company started production of various home appliances including radio, audio, electric heater and television products with the first mass-produced black-and-white television, 17T-2 in 1953.
1960
Entering Air Conditioning
Commencement of the air conditioning business in Japan. Released the first air conditioner, the window-type cooler EA-55A.
1991
A New Global Identity
A new associate is formed in Japan. The company becomes globally recognised as Fujitsu General Limited.
1998
Arrival in New Zealand
Fujitsu General New Zealand office is established in Wellington, New Zealand.
2000
NZ Brand Ambassador
Professional Kiwi cricketer, Stephen Fleming, is appointed as Fujitsu General's first brand ambassador.
2011
Smarter Control for Ducted Systems
2011
Award Winning Product Design
In October, Fujitsu General receives a 2011 Good Design Award for the Designer series of wall mounted air conditioners.
2012
Recognition for Product Design
In May, Fujitsu General Australia wins the 2012 iF Product Design Award for the Designer wallmounted range of air conditioners.
2012
Heat Recovery Breakthrough
In August, Fujitsu General launches the AIRSTAGE™ VR-II heat recovery VRF system at ARBS in Melbourne Australia, offering high efficiency in a compact design from 8HP to 48HP with Heat Recovery.
2014
Compact VRF Performance Delivered
In September, Fujitsu General launches the AIRSTAGE™ J-IIS series, offering a compact, high-performance air conditioning solution for residential and commercial spaces.
2015
Elevating After‑Sales Support
In November, Fujitsu General Assist was launched to provide a seamless after-sales experience.
2020
Trusted Brand Award Winner
In April, Fujitsu General NZ is announced as the winner of the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands 2020: Heat Pump category.
2020
Smart Climate Control with anywAiR®
In September, the anywAiR® Technology ducted Controller is launched, providing a wi-fi control solution to users in operating their Fujitsu ducted air conditioning system.
2022
Sensitive Choice for Lifestyle and Compact Floor Console
Lifestyle and Compact Floor Console ranges are given approval by the National Asthma Council's Sensitive Choice programme, supporting kiwis with asthma and allergy aware products.
2022
Expanding into Commercial Solutions
In September, Fujitsu General introduces the AIRSTAGE™ applied range into the New Zealand Market including Rooftop Package, Air-Cooled & Water-Cooled Chillers.
2023
Smart climate control goes mobile
Launch of the anywAiR® technology Wi‑Fi Adaptor II, enabling smartphone control of Fujitsu Lifestyle wall mounted air conditioners.
2023
25 Years of Excellence in New Zealand
In September, Fujitsu General New Zealand celebrates 25 years of operation in New Zealand.
2023
Introducing anywAiR® iO
In September, Fujitsu General NZ launches anywAiR® iO, an advanced control system tailored for the HVAC commercial and industrial building sectors.
2024
R32 Ceiling Console, Cassette & Kagami Launch
In January, the KAGAMI Wired controller is launched for ducted systems, along with the R32 Ceiling Console and R32 Circular Flow Cassette range.
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2025
A New Chapter begins with Paloma Rheem Holdings
In January, Paloma Rheem Holdings commences tender offer to acquire Fujitsu General Ltd.
2025
Stephen Fleming celebrates 25 years, with Confirmed Extension
In April, Fujitsu General celebrates 25 years of partnership with Stephen Fleming, with the brand ambassador agreement confirmed through to 2027—marking a 27‑year milestone.
2025
Highly Commended Award 2021-2025
In May, Fujitsu General New Zealand awarded Highly Commended in the Trusted Brands survey for the fifth consecutive year.
2025
Warmer Kiwi Homes Affiliation
In July, Fujitsu General New Zealand expands product eligibility under the government-backed Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme.
2025
Product updates for anywAiR ducted controller
In July, Fujitsu General refreshes smart home control with enhanced anywAiR® ducted controller and new garage door functionality.
2025
Fujitsu General Expands R32 Multi System Offering
In August, Fujitsu General launches launches its new R32 Multi 5 Rooms systems designed for multi‑room energy‑efficient comfort.
2025
R32 High Static Ducted launch
In September, the large capacity R32 High Static Ducted series is launched, completing the company’s R32 ducted family for the NZ market.
2026
Trading Name for NZ
In January, Fujitsu General New Zealand officially changes its business name to General New Zealand, reflecting the company’s next chapter as part of Paloma Rheem Holdings.
