Panasonic vacuums are made by Panasonic Corporation, the major Japanese electronics company headquartered in Osaka, though the brand quietly exited the North American consumer vacuum market years ago.
Panasonic ended its North American consumer vacuum business at the close of March 2017, closing its Kentucky factory and shifting that plant to auto parts production instead.
Outside North America, Panasonic continues selling and manufacturing vacuums, particularly across Japan and other Asian markets, alongside its much larger core electronics business.
So why would a company with such deep manufacturing expertise walk away from an entire product category in one of the world biggest consumer markets?
This guide will explore why Panasonic left the North American vacuum market, where Panasonic vacuums are still made today, how the situation compares to other brands, and what buyers should know in 2026.
So let’s get started.
Panasonic overall corporate revenue is measured in the tens of billions of dollars, dwarfing the size of even a fully active vacuum division.
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The Company Behind Panasonic Vacuums
Panasonic Corporation is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and operates as one of the largest electronics and appliance manufacturers in the world across dozens of product categories.
Vacuum cleaners represent a very small slice of Panasonic overall business, which spans everything from televisions and batteries to automotive technology and industrial equipment.
This scale means decisions about individual categories like vacuums are often driven by broader corporate strategy rather than the performance of the vacuum line alone.
Why Panasonic Left The North American Vacuum Market
Panasonic announced in December 2016 that it would end development and production of vacuum cleaners for the North American consumer market, citing an inability to compete on price against lower cost rivals.
The company closed its longtime Kentucky vacuum manufacturing plant, which had been open since 1990, and converted that facility to produce automotive components instead.
Panasonic also historically manufactured vacuums sold under the Kenmore name for Sears, and after its exit, those manufacturing rights were later licensed to a different company, Cleva North America.
Coverage of the Kentucky plant closure and North American exit was reported by Nikkei Asia.
Where Are Panasonic Vacuums Made Today
Outside North America, Panasonic still designs and manufactures vacuums for markets including Japan and other parts of Asia, drawing on regional factories separate from its former Kentucky plant.
Panasonic also remains active in commercial and industrial cleaning equipment, a category that was not affected by its consumer vacuum exit from the North American market.
Additional detail on the exit and Kenmore licensing transition is covered by independent appliance industry news.
Panasonic Vacuum Product History
Before its 2017 exit, Panasonic North American lineup included upright, canister, and bagless vacuum models sold through major retailers across the United States and Canada.
Panasonic vacuum technology at the time was generally well regarded, and its exit was driven by pricing pressure rather than any specific quality or reliability issue with the products themselves.
Panasonic remaining vacuum business overseas focuses more on standard corded and canister models rather than the cordless stick category that dominates Dyson current lineup.
Panasonic Vacuums Vs Dyson Vacuums
Panasonic exit from the North American consumer market stands in stark contrast to Dyson vacuums, which remain one of the most actively marketed premium vacuum brands across North America today.
Both companies represent examples of large international conglomerates managing regional vacuum businesses very differently based on local market competitiveness.
Shoppers who owned a Panasonic vacuum before 2017 may still find replacement parts through third party sellers, though official support has largely ended in North America.
Current Panasonic corporate information can be found on the official Panasonic website.
Panasonic Recalls And Safety History
No major consumer vacuum recall was tied specifically to Pananonic North American exit, which was described publicly as a business and pricing decision rather than a safety or quality issue.
Buyers with older Panasonic vacuum units can still check the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any historical recall information tied to a specific model.
Some independent appliance repair shops still stock or can source parts compatible with older Panasonic vacuum models sold before the North American exit.
Panasonic Vacuum Support And Warranty Information
Because Panasonic no longer sells or actively supports consumer vacuums in North America, warranty coverage on older units purchased before 2017 has generally expired or lapsed.
Owners of legacy Panasonic vacuums in North America typically rely on independent repair shops or third party parts sellers rather than official Panasonic support.
Outside North America, current Panasonic vacuum models remain covered under standard regional warranty terms through official company channels.
Vintage Panasonic vacuum models occasionally appear on resale marketplaces, and buyers should factor in the lack of official support before purchasing a used unit.
Is Panasonic A Good Vacuum Brand
Historically, Panasonic vacuums were well regarded for build quality and performance, and its North American exit reflected a business strategy decision rather than a product shortfall.
In markets where Panasonic vacuums remain actively sold today, the brand continues to draw on Panasonic broader reputation for reliable electronics engineering.
Overall, North American shoppers today cannot buy a new Panasonic vacuum, and those wanting a reliable alternative may want to look at Bissell vacuums as a widely available option instead.
The North American vacuum exit remains a frequently cited example in business case studies discussing how large conglomerates manage underperforming regional product lines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panasonic Vacuums
Does Panasonic still make vacuums?
Panasonic still manufactures and sells vacuums in Japan and other parts of Asia, but it exited the North American consumer vacuum market entirely at the end of March 2017.
Why did Panasonic stop selling vacuums in the United States?
Panasonic cited an inability to compete on price against lower cost competitors as the primary reason for closing its North American consumer vacuum business in 2017.
Who makes Kenmore vacuums that Panasonic used to build?
After Panasonic exit, the rights to manufacture certain Kenmore branded vacuums were later licensed to a different company, Cleva North America.
Can I still get parts for an old Panasonic vacuum?
Official Panasonic support for North American consumer vacuums has largely ended, so most owners rely on independent repair shops or third party parts sellers instead.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.