In the previous year, the iconic Mitsubishi Pajero rally truck concluded its production, marking the end of an era for a renowned car manufacturer that has long been on the decline. Despite the closure of the Pajero factory, there was a glimmer of hope that its legacy and the Pajero itself might continue. However, recent reports confirm that the factory has been sold to a paper mill that will repurpose it to manufacture tissues for wiping away your tears—and other purposes.
The news, initially covered by Nikkei, reveals that the plant in Gifu Prefecture, operated by Pajero Manufacturing (a subsidiary of Mitsubishi), is being acquired by Daio Paper for ¥4 billion, equivalent to about $33.6 million. This plant was the first Mitsubishi facility to close in Japan since 2001 and, according to Japanese Nostalgic Car, was the largest employer in the region before the end of Pajero production. Over the years, it also assembled the Delica van and Mighty Max pickup, reaching a peak production of 170,000 vehicles annually. However, with Mitsubishi Motors’ decline, production dwindled to 63,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2019 and ceased entirely in the final months of 2021.
While the factory’s future may seem less exciting, Daio plans to revitalize it by utilizing it as an extension of its existing mill in Kani, which was expanded recently. Daio intends to produce sanitary paper products at the former Pajero plant, including toilet paper and facial tissues. Daio already holds almost 30 percent of Japan’s market share in this product category.
Although Daio’s ownership of the plant won’t commence until March 2023, its financial transaction is already positively impacting Mitsubishi’s automotive division, leading it to achieve a profitable quarter for the first time in three years. This development provides a glimmer of hope amidst the somber mood surrounding the end of the Pajero, hinting at the possibility of Mitsubishi producing some form of performance model with the revival of Ralliart. While Mitsubishi’s recent history may appear bleak, it lays the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. In retrospect, considering the transformation from what Mitsubishi’s former plant in Normal, Illinois produced a decade ago to its current status, it’s reasonable to anticipate these remnants fostering a new beginning.
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