Panasonic Corporation, formerly known as the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese multinational electronics company, headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka. It was founded by Konosuke Matsushita in 1918 as a lightbulb socket manufacturer. In addition to consumer electronics of which it was the world's largest maker in the late 20th century, Panasonic offers a wide range of products and services, including rechargeable batteries, automotive and avionic systems, industrial systems, as well as home renovation and construction. The history of Panasonic goes back to when Konosuke Matsushita founded Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works in 1918.