Company History
Konica Minolta had its beginnings in the 19th century - and ever since, has been synonymous with quality, innovation and leadership.
The company we know today as Konica Minolta started as two separate businesses - Konica and Minolta - which merged in 2003.
Konica
In 1873, a Japanese man named Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic materials at his Tokyo apothecary - Konica. By the beginning of the 20th century, the company had developed its first camera and a range of quality 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
Minolta was founded in 1928 to manufacture cameras and then to pioneer related technologies. This included 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.
Konica Minolta
In 2003, both companies came together - and became a technology force to be reckoned with.
The early, pioneering spirit in both companies lives on today - and is reflected by our research and development division, which continually reaches into new areas of knowledge.
Today, Konica Minolta is expert in 12 core technologies – including materials, optics, nano-fabrication and imaging. It is this passion for excellence in new technologies that ensures we continue to be a world-leader in research.
Company history timeline
Expansion into Digital and Network Technology (2000- present)
2017
|
- AccurioJet KM-1 officially launched in Australia at PacPrint
- Konica Minolta receives Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Award
- Konica Minolta named industry group Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
|
2016
|
- Konica Minolta Australia signs CEO Statement of Support for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
- Recognised as World Leader for Corporate Action on Climate Change.
|
2015
|
- Konica Minolta Australia enters 3D printing through a partnership with 3D Systems
- Konica Minolta Australia acquires two leading IT Services firms, Stonebridge Systems and Knowledge Partners
- Awarded first place for environmental activities in Japanese Nikkei Environmental Management Survey
- Achieves international recognition among the world’s best companies for corporate social responsibility from RobecoSAM, Oekom Research AG and FTSE4Group
|
2014
|
- WeOptimise Cloud Platform launched in Australia.
- First Business Innovation Centre (BIC) established in Singapore.
- Named leader in Gartner 2014 Magic Quadrant for Managed Print Services and Content Services.
- Inclusion into the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
- Recognised as World Leader for Corporate Action on Climate Change.
|
2012
|
- Release of a new range of colour MFPs featuring a colour touch panel display.
- KM-1 previewed at Drupa, the Company's first high-speed inkjet press processing formats up to B2 at 1,650 sph.
|
2011
|
- Release of the world's first Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting panels.
|
2010
|
- Launch of the bizhub PRESS C8000, a flagship colour digital production printing system with a printing speed of 80 ppm.
|
2009
|
- Konica Minolta Australia moves to a prestigious new Head Quarters in Sydney's Macquarie Park, named Konica Minolta House.
|
2007
|
- Withdrawal from the photo and camera business.
- Release of the bizhub C550, an advanced colour MFP with network features and a sleek new black and white design.
|
2006
|
- 2006 Release of the high-speed digital colour production system, the bizhub PRO C6500.
- CBS SwingVision, a high speed motion-analysis system sponsored by Konica Minolta, is awarded a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Innovative Technical Achievement.
|
2005
|
- Released the world's first mammography system to use phase contrast technology.
|
2004
|
- Introduction of the first bizhub multifunctional printer (MFP), bringing fast document printing, copying and scanning to the hub of any business.
- The Company's own planetarium, the Sunshine Starlight Dome "Manten" is opened in Tokyo.
- Release of the next-generation textile inkjet printer, the Nassenger V.
- Release of the bizhub PRO 1050, a high-performance, on-demand printing machine to meet light production needs.
|
2003
|
- Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd are merged to form Konica Minolta Holdings Inc., bringing together the leading technologies and innovations of both companies.
|
2002
|
- Release of Simitri toner, the world's first polymerised toner using biomass technology to reduce environmental impact.
|
Expansion into Imaging (1975 - 1999)
1996
|
- Introduction of the world's first multifunction machine.
|
1994
|
- Minolta Co., Ltd established in Australia.
|
1991
|
- Introduction of the world's first three-colour combination copier and fax.
|
1990
|
- Release of the CF70, a digital full-colour copier featuring breakthrough LIMOS technology for superior image quality.
|
1987
|
- Konica Corporation established in Australia.
|
1985
|
- Release of the world's first autofocus 35mm SLR camera, the 7000.
|
1987
|
- Development of an ultra-high precision aspheric plastic lens for CD players.
|
1983
|
- Release of the world's first copier with zoom magnification function, the EP450Z.
|
1975
|
- Introduction of the world's first 35mm compact autofocus camera, the C35AF.
|
1975
|
- Production of the world's first copier with latent image transfer.
|
1971
|
- Release of U-Bix480, a high-performance photostatic plain paper copier
|
1962
|
- A specially modified Minolta camera is carried aboard the spacecraft Friendship 7.
- In the following decades, Minolta technology is adopted for both Apollo lunar missions and
- Mir space station missions.
|
1960
|
- Minolta Copymaster, the Company's first copier, is released.
|
1957
|
- The Company's first Planetarium unit is established.
|
Contribution to the Development of Photography (1873 - 1956)
1940
|
- Introduction of Sakura Natural Colour Film, the first colour film made in Japan.
|
1928
|
- Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten (Japan-Germany Photo Company), later Minolta, is established and begins production of cameras in Japan.
|
1903
|
- The "Cherry Hand Camera" is released to the market, Japan's first brand name camera.
|
1873
|
- Konica starts business as Rokusaburo Sugiura begins selling photographic & lithographic materials in Tokyo.
|