Following news that iconic electronics and services brand AWA entered administration last month after more than a century in the Australian industry, Panasonic Australia has confirmed that it has withdrawn its ties with the embattled company.
On 25 February 2014, AWA brought in administrations PPB Advisory who are now conducting an “urgent review of AWA’s business and operations” with a view towards finding a suitable buyer for the business and its assets.
Panasonic Australia had previously worked with AWA as a provider of customer service support and other services related to returned goods. In a statement to Appliance Retailer, the director of Panasonic Australia’s Consumer Electronics Group, Richard Tassone, has confirmed that this relationship ceased shortly after AWA went into administration:
Effective 5 March 2014, Panasonic has appointed existing National Service Partners, Install and Fix, and Tecworks to provide services within the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, to replace all previous services provided by AWA. Panasonic is currently liaising with AWA for the completion of any work still with AWA.
It’s business as usual. Panasonic has appointed existing National Service Partners Install and Fix and Tecworks to replace all previous services provided by AWA. Any consumers or retailers requiring product servicing should contact Panasonic on 132 600, to locate their closest service location or book an in-home or on-site service visit.
All other services outside of the Metropolitan areas remain unaffected and will continue to be serviced by Panasonic’s existing service centre network.
The company has confirmed that there are no changes to its warranty arrangements and that affected retailers have been contacted to familiarise them with the new arrangements:
Panasonic has already communicated with our retail partners this week on the important changes we have made to our product service providers.Any retailers requiring product servicing should contact Panasonic on 132 600 or for additional information they can call their Panasonic sales representative.
