60 Years of Biomedical Innovation

Celebrating 60 Years of Innovation in Biomedical Preservation and Laboratory Equipment

For six decades, our biomedical heritage has been shaped by continuous innovation, trusted performance, and a commitment to supporting laboratories, healthcare professionals, and scientific discovery worldwide. From the early days of SANYO Biomedical to Panasonic Biomedical and today’s PHCbi, this legacy continues to drive the future of life science and laboratory technology.

A Legacy Built on Progress

Our story began in 1966, when SANYO started developing pharmaceutical refrigerators and laboratory equipment. Over the years, SANYO Biomedical became widely recognized for its strong position in the life science and biomedical equipment market, with product lines that included ultra low temperature freezers, biomedical refrigerators and freezers, incubators, and sterilization equipment.

This foundation of engineering expertise, product quality, and vertical integration created a strong platform for global growth. As the business evolved, the biomedical activities became part of Panasonic, marking the next important phase in the development of the brand.

60 Years of Biomedical Heritage

This visual highlights the evolution from SANYO Biomedical to Panasonic Biomedical and today’s PHCbi.

Click the image to enlarge.

Timeline of Innovation

1966

The Beginning of a Biomedical Legacy

SANYO begins its biomedical activities, including the development of pharmaceutical refrigerators and laboratory equipment. This marks the start of a long tradition of innovation in sample preservation and laboratory technology.

2009–2011

Integration into Panasonic

Panasonic acquires SANYO, and SANYO Biomedical becomes integrated into Panasonic’s healthcare activities. This transition strengthens the global position of the biomedical business and prepares the brand for its next phase of growth.

2012

Expansion of the Healthcare Business

Panasonic Healthcare Company of North America is established, including the integration of the former SANYO Biomedical Solutions Division. This milestone reflects the continued development of the biomedical activities within a broader healthcare structure.

2018

The PHCbi Brand Begins

Panasonic Healthcare Holdings officially changes its name to PHC Holdings Corporation, and the PHCbi brand is introduced for the biomedical business. The new name reflects a forward-looking identity built on decades of trusted expertise.

Three Names, One Strong Heritage

SANYO Biomedical

SANYO Biomedical established itself as a pioneer in biomedical equipment, developing reliable solutions for laboratories and healthcare environments across the world. The brand became known for advanced preservation technology, incubators, and other essential laboratory equipment.

Panasonic Biomedical

Following Panasonic’s acquisition of SANYO, the biomedical activities were integrated into Panasonic Healthcare. This period represented an important transition, bringing the former SANYO Biomedical operations together within Panasonic’s healthcare division.

PHCbi

In 2018, the biomedical business moved forward under the PHCbi brand. Today, PHCbi continues to build on the trusted technologies, expertise, and service continuity developed throughout the SANYO and Panasonic years.

Continuing the Legacy

PHCbi stands for Biomedical Innovation and continues to support laboratories and healthcare professionals with trusted solutions for sample preservation, incubation, and laboratory workflows.

Just as importantly, PHCbi continues to support older SANYO and Panasonic biomedical products with ongoing service and parts continuity, helping customers protect their long-term investments.

Learn More About PHCbi