Matsushita Electric, Japan's leading consumer electronic company and the owner of top brands like Panasonic and National, has decided to outsource colour televisions from India to countries in the Middle-East, Singapore, Australia and a few African nations.

Matsushita Television & Audio India Ltd, the company's Indian subsidiary, will export 30,000 units initially. Export volumes may be increased later, depending on the demand, a company executive said.

The move will enable Matsushita Television & Audio to utilise idle capacity at its Noida facility and bring down costs.

The company produced around 125,000 units and sold close to 105,000 in 2002-03. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

Matsushita Television & Audio posted a turnaround this year, registering a profit of Rs 900,000 on gross sales of Rs 120 crore (Rs 1.20 billion).

Matsushita Electric has a manufacturing unit in Australia. But in the other target countries, it only outsources products.

"Exports will largely comprise the traditional round-screen televisions. But for certain markets the basket may include flat televisions like the high-end 'Giga' series," the executive said.

The first 'test' consignment has already been dispatched and new orders are expected, the company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange on Friday.

The company will take a definite decision on exports at the forthcoming board meeting scheduled to be held in the month of July 2003.

The source said the Japanese parent is undertaking a feasibility study to explore the export potential for audio systems as well. More countries may be included in the list very soon.

Another top executive said the Japanese are conducting several studies in India for further restructuring, which may involve the amalgamation of different subsidiaries and businesses.

While Matsushita Television & Audio is the manufacturing arm, the marketing of its products are handled by National Panasonic, a wholly owned company.

Matsushita has other subsidiaries in the country for its range of air-conditioners, washing machines, kitchen appliances and energy products (cells) businesses.