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.