The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan recognises Mitsubishi Electric’s nearly five decades of business presence in Spain and its continued commitment to bilateral cooperation, highlighted by its recent €50 million investment in Spanish aerospace company PLD Space.
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SpCCJ) presented the 11th Spain–Japan Business Contribution Award to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation during its annual Awards Gala, held on 6 November 2026 at Ogasawara Hakushaku-tei in Tokyo.
The award recognises Mitsubishi Electric’s long-standing contribution to commercial and industrial relations between Spain and Japan, as well as its continued commitment to developing new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The ceremony brought together representatives from the Spanish and Japanese business communities, alongside diplomatic and institutional representatives, to celebrate the companies and partnerships strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Nearly Five Decades of Business Presence in Spain
Mitsubishi Electric’s history in Spain dates back to 1978, when the company established its Spanish sales subsidiary, MELCO-Iberica. In 1996, its operations were reorganised under the Spanish branch of Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., now based in Sant Cugat, near Barcelona.
Over nearly five decades, the company has developed an established presence in the Spanish market across several industrial sectors, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, factory automation and transportation technologies.
These operations reflect the depth and continuity of Mitsubishi Electric’s engagement with the Spanish economy, built through sustained commercial activity and technological expertise.
A New Chapter in Aerospace Cooperation
More recently, Mitsubishi Electric has expanded its cooperation with Spain into the aerospace sector.
In March 2026, the company announced a €50 million strategic investment in PLD Space, a Spanish aerospace company specialising in launch services for small satellites.
Through this investment, Mitsubishi Electric aims to secure launch capacity for small satellites and gain priority access to launch services using PLD Space’s MIURA 5 rocket, supporting the development of its satellite data solution services.
The partnership brings together Mitsubishi Electric’s experience in satellite technologies and PLD Space’s growing capabilities in space launch services, creating opportunities for collaboration in an increasingly strategic industry.
While this recent investment represents a significant milestone, the Award recognises Mitsubishi Electric’s broader contribution to Spain–Japan economic relations, demonstrating how long-established business relationships can continue to evolve through innovation, investment and new industrial partnerships.
Recognising the Value of Long-Term Partnerships
Abraham Franco, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan, commented:
“Mitsubishi Electric is an excellent example of the strong and lasting business relationship between Spain and Japan. With nearly five decades of presence in the Spanish market, the company has made a significant contribution to our economic ties. Its recent investment in PLD Space also reflects the transformation of Spain’s industrial landscape, where a new generation of deep-tech companies is developing advanced technologies and attracting international investment. This partnership shows how long-standing business relationships can evolve into new opportunities for innovation and industrial cooperation. We are proud to recognise Mitsubishi Electric’s continued commitment with this Award.”
The Award was received on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation by Masahiko Arai, Executive Officer and Group President, Defense & Space Systems, Infrastructure Business Area.
Mr. Arai commented:
“It is a great honor to receive this prestigious award from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. Through our partnership with PLD Space, we will bring together the strengths of both companies and establish a framework capable of providing awide range of services—from access to space to the utilization of satellite data. In doing so, we are committed to contributing to the further development of thespace industries in both Spain and Japan.”
Celebrating Spain–Japan Business Relations
The 11th Spain–Japan Business Contribution Awards Gala took place at Ogasawara Hakushaku-tei, a historic residence in Tokyo, bringing together members of the bilateral business community for an evening of institutional recognition, Spanish gastronomy and networking.
The Award was presented in the form of Galope I, a porcelain sculpture by the Spanish luxury porcelain house Lladró, reflecting the artistic craftsmanship and creative heritage of Spain.
The ceremony was followed by a gala dinner, providing an opportunity for business leaders, institutional representatives and members of the Chamber to strengthen connections and celebrate the achievements of the Spain–Japan business community.
Eleven Editions Recognising Bilateral Business Achievement
Established in 2016, the Spain–Japan Business Contribution Awards recognise companies and organisations whose investments, business activities and long-term partnerships have made a significant contribution to economic relations between Spain and Japan.
Previous recipients include LaLiga, Rakuten, Gestamp, Fast Retailing, Japan Airlines, Amadeus, NTT DATA, Hitachi, ITX Japan, Iberia and Fujitsu.
With Mitsubishi Electric joining this group in 2026, the Awards continue to highlight the role of long-term commercial engagement, cross-border investment and industrial innovation in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
