Konica Minolta celebrates 150 years in business
November 16, 2023
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) announced the commemoration of its 150th anniversary, a significant milestone few businesses reach.
Commemoration of this milestone has centred around showing gratitude to Konica Minolta’s stakeholders and recognising its employees—the people responsible for transforming the organisation into the company it is today. They are Konica Minolta’s legacy, carrying out the company’s long-standing philosophy to ‘create new value for society,’ the company explained.
“Our people are our single greatest asset, and we work extremely hard to cultivate employees who demonstrate innovative spirit and show true dedication to drive success across the business,” said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta. “We are big promoters of diversity and inclusion and making sure that as an organization, different individuals in different walks of life have the ability to prosper here. It allows us to get different viewpoints on ways to approach the business. That has helped our culture ensure an environment where people can flourish and grow their careers.”
Some milestones have paved the way for the global technology giant, since Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials in 1873.
- 1873 Konica starts business as Rokusaburo Sugiura begins selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Kojimachi, Tokyo.
- 1903 Konishi Honten (predecessor of Konica) markets the “Cherry Hand Camera,” Japan’s first brand-name camera.
- 1958 Company’s first planetarium unit completed and opened to the public
- 1962 The first pictures of Earth taken from space with a Minolta Hi-Matic (during John Glenn’s “Friendship 7” Space flight)
- 1970 World’s first colour copy machine introduced: Konica Minolta’s U-Bix 480
- 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. is established by integrating the management of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.
- 2005 Released the world’s first Mammography to use phase contrast technology
- 2007 Withdrawal from photo and camera business
- 2011 U.S. Division acquires All Covered and begins digital transformation journey ahead of competitors
- 2013 Company name changed to Konica Minolta, Inc.
- 2015 U.S. Division launches Step Forward, an initiative to inspire women in professional excellence at all career levels.
- 2016 The bizhub PRESS C71cf digital press is the first of many new products that supports Konica Minolta’s strategy in the label and packaging industry market.
- 2018 U-Bix 480 certified as a “Copying Machine Heritage” established by the Imaging Society of Japan (ISJ).
- 2020 U.S. Division Launches Return to Work solution during the pandemic to assure employee safety when returning to offices
- 2021 Announces Status as a Microsoft Global Partner
- 2023 U.S. Division acquires Force Security Solutions
Konica Minolta has taken the opportunity to proudly reflect on its heritage and history since the start of its fiscal year on 1 April. Earlier this year the company debuted its 150th anniversary video, in which the company reflects on its journey, having pushed the boundaries of what’s possible to make a positive impact in the world. The video launched via a global social media effort, with all regions of Konica Minolta aligning with posts simultaneously, another first for the company.
Konica Minolta added: “Amidst ongoing challenges in the industry, uncertainty in the market and general concerns about recession, the tenacity of Konica Minolta’s employees shines through. Despite difficulties, particularly in recent years with the pandemic and supply chain issues, the company has maintained the right culture and drive to turn things around.”
And with this track record of perseverance, the company said it is confident that alongside its employees, as well as its clients and partners, it will continue to drive positive change throughout the world.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : 150 Anniversary Business Celerbations Konica Minolta Milestone
