Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) proudly announces the commemoration of its remarkable 150th anniversary, a milestone achieved by few businesses. With a steadfast commitment to the industry and a proactive approach to shaping the future of technology, the company has not only kept pace with industry developments but consistently remained at the forefront.
The celebration of this significant milestone revolves around expressing gratitude to Konica Minolta’s stakeholders and acknowledging its employees—the driving force behind the organization’s transformation into the successful company it is today. These individuals embody Konica Minolta’s legacy, embodying the company’s enduring philosophy of ‘creating new value for society.’
Konica Minolta actualizes this philosophy by enhancing employees’ professional capabilities, unlocking individual and team potential, and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes health, safety, and open communication. This approach cultivates the commitment and loyalty necessary for employees to create value and continue shaping the company’s trajectory.
“Our people are our single greatest asset, and we work extremely hard to cultivate employees who demonstrate an innovative spirit and true dedication to drive success across the business,” said Sam Errigo, President and CEO of Konica Minolta. “We are strong advocates of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that individuals from different walks of life have the opportunity to prosper within our organization, bringing diverse perspectives to our approach to the business.”
Konica Minolta, through its diverse product portfolio, transforms workplace experiences and drives dynamic business change with solutions tailored to how customers and their businesses operate. Employees collaborate with clients worldwide to address society’s greatest challenges. Building on its rich heritage as a technology hardware manufacturer and its position as an innovative technology provider, the company combines diverse perspectives with creativity to shape the future of work and contribute positively to society.
The journey of this global technology giant began in 1873 when Rokusaburo Sugiura started selling photographic and lithographic materials. Over the years, Konica Minolta achieved numerous milestones, from introducing Japan’s first brand-name camera in 1903 to being recognized as a Microsoft Global Partner in 2021 and acquiring Force Security Solutions in 2023.
“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 color 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
As part of its reflection on heritage and history, Konica Minolta debuted its 150th-anniversary video earlier this fiscal year, highlighting the company’s journey and its impact on the world. The video, launched globally through a synchronized social media effort, underscores Konica Minolta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Despite industry challenges, market uncertainty, and recent disruptions such as the pandemic and supply chain issues, the tenacity of Konica Minolta’s employees remains evident. The company, maintaining its culture and drive, is confident that, alongside its employees, clients, and partners, it will continue to drive positive change worldwide.
