Japanese joint venture ETRIA consolidates factories into new firm to bolster competitiveness.
ETRIA Co., Ltd., the Ricoh and Toshiba Tec joint venture, will consolidate domestic production by establishing a new company in Japan, following an absorption-type split with subsidiary Yamanashi Electronics.
The agreement, signed on August 26, takes effect on 1 February 2026.
The entity, to be based in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, will inherit ETRIA’s Numazu, Gotemba and Tohoku sites, employing around 1,000 staff. With capital of ¥410 million ($2.8 million/ €2.6 million), it will be wholly owned by ETRIA and focus on producing and refurbishing multifunction printers, peripherals and consumables.
ETRIA, created to pool Japanese printing technology, said the move reflects market pressures and the need for a leaner management base. By consolidating domestic production, the company aims to sharpen competitiveness, enhance supply resilience and advance circular economy practices.
The yet-unnamed firm underscores ETRIA’s ambition to sustain Japan’s reputation for manufacturing excellence. Its president will be announced later, though the group pledged continuity for employees, partners and local communities as it seeks global growth.
