EPSON CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN AUSTRALIA

Imaging technology developer Epson is celebrating 40 years in Australia, with global president Yasunori Ogawa dropping in to share the event, and outlining his targets for the years to come.

Speaking as he arrived in Australia, Ogawa said that going forward Epson would focus on implementing recycled materials into its products, on seeking a broader range of applications for its inkjet technologies, and on continuing the drive to deliver ever higher quality.

Ogawa said, “We are developing our own recycled materials, for instance with our PaperLab machine which can take waste paper and turn it into a kind of plastic that can be used in our products.”

Epson is also working on metal recycling, developing a system to make metal powder from waste materials, including waste from semi-conductor manufacturing, that it aims to use in the manufacture of components.

Ogawa started at Epson in 1988 and became company president 32 years later. This is his first visit down under as president of the giant company. He has been involved in, and witnessed, many of the new technologies Epson has developed, most notably in the printing industry with the launch of digital wide format proofing systems in the mid-1990s, which, as part of the holy trinity with CTP and long perfectors, slashed turnaround times for print jobs by two thirds, and were embraced with enthusiasm by printshops everywhere.

Looking forward, Ogawa said, “We are aiming to develop new applications for Epson printheads in order to offer print businesses the opportunity to develop new revenue streams.”

Epson says it will use its 40th year to continue its legacy and introduce new products in large format printing and industrial printing. The company will have a major stand at drupa.

Epson Australia says it has achieved numerous milestones over the last 40 years which include currently being recognised as the number one brand in Australia for projectors, large format printers, thermal receipt printers and consumer ink tank printers.

Epson Australia managing director Craig Heckenberg said, "We are thrilled to commemorate this significant milestone in our company's history.”

Epson Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Epson Corporation that represents 80 years of Japanese craftmanship, engineering and environmental progress. In Australia the company started out with a small team of 20 people in the suburb of Frenchs Forest, on the northern beaches of Sydney. Since then, the company has been at the forefront of advancements in print and projection.

The company’s recent environmental initiatives include partnering with Earth Hour, the world’s biggest movement to protect the planet, sponsoring the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. It has now transitioned to 100 per cent renewable energy across its entire operation in Australia and New Zealand.

Ogawa said, "I would like to congratulate Epson Australia for its 40th anniversary, and offer my thanks for the dedication and support of all the employees, partners and customers who have made this possible. Epson is committed to achieving sustainability and supporting the community, and no group company embodies this commitment more than Epson Australia. I look forward to working with everyone to achieve even greater success both for Epson Australia and the wider community.”

Heckenberg said, “We are proud of our achievements and success over the last 40 years. As such, I must thank all Epson staff both past and present, our channel partners and customers for contributing to this success. We now focus on the next 40 years and on creating continued growth through providing innovative products and services that make a positive impact to the lives of our customers, their businesses, and their communities.”

Today, the company’s product portfolio consists of home and office printers, scanners, thermal receipt printers, projectors, large format printers, industrial print solutions and a wide range of software tools that enhance the productivity and usability of its products and provide more value to customers.

The company has also expanded its team to 150 people across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland, with offices and showrooms in each location. As such, its nationwide service coverage and remote support capabilities ensure minimal disruption and quicker turnaround times, even in remote locations.

Heckenberg concluded, “It is the hard work and dedication of our team, their proven track record of providing the highest level of customer service and the support from our customers which has led to our success. Whether it be at home or work, we pride ourselves on helping our customers get the most out of our products and services and to be there for them when it really matters. Looking ahead, we have a lot more to accomplish and we pledge to continue to play our part to protect the environment by working with our customers and industry to help solve societal issues, strive for sustainability and improve quality of life.”