Océ celebrates its 130th birthday all over the world

At the official ceremony in Europe, CEO Rokus van Iperen praised the company for going the distance and moving with the times. He named prosperity as being one of Océ's greatest strengths.

"That prosperity is thanks to the innovative nature of our founding fathers who have nurtured us throughout the twentieth century. This entrepreneurial spirit remains our greatest asset," he said.

"Western society is built on information, knowledge and freedom of thought. Information and documents are what keep that prosperity."

Rokus named six key milestones and dates for the company including:
* 1877. Lodewijk van der Grinten invents an edible colouring for margarine and butter
* 1927. Lodewijk's grandson, Louis, invents a diazo coating that requires no ammonia component during development. He calls it O.C., abbreviated German for  'Ohne Componente', 'Without Component'. A corporate name is born
* The 1980s. Océ introduces Océ Copy Press, a better way to make copies
* The 1990s. Océ leads the way in network copying and printing with products like the Océ 3165, many of which are still being used by customers
* 2004. Océ introduces the Océ VarioStream 9000 Colour on Demand concept and Océ Job Appropriate Color
* 2006: Océ invents a better way to duplex with Océ Gemini technology

Rokus said that Océ's innovative new technologies such as digital book printing and display graphics, E-discovery for legal documents and new business models like the Imagistics approach to the office would ensure a strong future and more celebrations to come.