Konica Minolta celebrates 150 years
April 13, 2023
Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Kojimachi, Tokyo, in 1873, marking the beginnings of the Konica Corporation. Since this time the company has been on a path of innovation. Roll forward 100 years and it transformed offices with the now ubiquitous plain paper copier to market (1973). Then two years later it revolutionised photography with the built-in flash and auto exposure functions for 35mm cameras. At the start of the 1990’s Konica entered the laser printer market and at the turn of the millennium the Konica Corporation joined forces with Minolta Co., Ltd – two world-renowned brands coming together to become what is today, Konica Minolta.
Rob Ferris, CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd said: “As Konica Minolta reaches this remarkable milestone of 150 years in business, it’s time to reflect on this significant achievement and look at our past, our present and our future together. Since our establishment in 1873, Konica Minolta has led the way in inventions and innovations in many technologies and sectors, including office equipment, commercial printing, and the latest in intelligent Video Solution Services.
“Transformation has always been a crucial factor in our progression and continues to drive us forward, as we constantly evolve and grow along with our customers, partners, and the wider global community.”
This new age for the company has seen it lead the way in the digital print revolution (as of 2021 the company led the digital label press market with a 28% market share), new intelligent video technology by taking a majority share in Mobotix, and break new ground in healthcare, in areas such as radiography and cancer research.
This spirit of innovation continues to drive the business. Today, as well as being a hardware manufacturer, Konica Minolta is also a provider of Digital IT Services with a mission to deliver Digital Transformation (DX) to its customers to meet the evolution of business practices and processes.
Rob Ferris added, “Our journey started 150 years ago with a vision to see and do things differently and that same purpose that kept us moving then, keeps us moving now. As we mark our 150th year we recognise the significant contributions of not only our own team but also our valued partners and of course all our customers. This anniversary further inspires us all to continue our tradition of innovation and to recognise that there are no limits in our determination to make the future brighter. This first 150 years is just the start, and we look forward to shaping the next chapter in our long history.”
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : 150 Years Anniversary Celebrations Innovation Konica Minolta
