Company History
Konica traces its history back to 1873 when Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic materials at his Tokyo apothecary. By the start of the 20th century, the company had developed its first camera and range of photographic products. In 1971, Konica released Japan’s first plain paper photocopier, developing a dominant position in high-speed, high quality document management systems and imaging products.
Minolta was founded in 1928 to initially manufacture cameras and then went on to pioneer technologies including; a latent image transfer system, the world’s first magnification and reduction photocopier and the world’s first photocopier to produce two-colour images in a single pass. Minolta went on to achieve a strong global presence as a pioneer in the field of high quality imaging technology.
For more than 120 years, Konica Minolta names have been synonymous with quailty and leadership. Highlights of our history include:
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1873
Company begins selling photographic materials in Japan
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1937
World's first double lens reflex camera
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1946
World's first camera with a coated lens
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1962
Hi-Matic camera used by astronaut John Glenn on Friendship 7
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1975
World's first copier to use latent image transfer
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1983
World's first copier with zoom magnification
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1987
World's first single pass two-colour copier
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1991
World's first three-colour combination copier and fax
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1996
World's first digital multifunction machine
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2001
World's first polymerized toner™
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2003
Launched first hi-speed 31 ppm colour machine utilising 'new' polymerized toner™
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2003
Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. established
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2004
Releases print-on-demand machines bizhub PRO 1050 for production print
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2005
Obtains first Japan Eco Mark in the newly established toner cartridge field
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2006
Announced withdrawal of camera and photo business
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2007
Formed strategic alliance with the General Electric Company
(GE) to develop and commercialize OLED for lighting applications.