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 - that merged in 2003.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Konica Minolta's history

Expansion into Digital and Network Technology (2003 - present)

2022

AeroDR TX m01, a mobile X-ray system that enables X-ray dynamic radiography at the bedside, marketed

2020

AccurioPress C14000, a digital printing system, marketed to enter the high-volume segment.

2019

  • Konica Minolta Listed among 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World.

2018

  • Konica Minolta Australia receives Human Rights Award for Business from the Human Rights Commission.
  • Konica Minolta partners with Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) in Australia.

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

  • Recognised as World Leader for Corporate Action on Climate Change. 
  • AccurioJet KM-1, a B2 digital inkjet press that achieves excellent image quality comparable to offset printing, is marketed

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
  • Eco Vision 2050, a policy for environmental activities from a long-term perspective, is formulated

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.
  • Konica Minolta Honda Team competed in the MotoGP, the world's premier motorcycle racing event

2004

  • Introduction of the first bizhub multifunctional printer (MFP), bringing fast document printing, copying and scanning to the hub of any business.
  • Sunshine Starlight Dome “Manten,” the first planetarium theater directly operated by the manufacturer, opens in Japan
  • 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.

Expansion into Imaging (1975 - 2002)

2002

Release of Simitri toner, the world's first polymerised toner using biomass technology to reduce environmental impact.

1996

  •  Introduction of the world's first multifunction machine.

1995

Konica 7050, the world’s fastest digital copier is marketed.

1994

  • Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. renamed as Minolta Co., Ltd.
  • 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

  • Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. renamed as Konica Corporation, and all the company’s products offered under the “Konica” brand
  • Konica Corporation established in Australia.

1985

Release of the world's first autofocus 35mm SLR camera, the 7000.

1984

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.

1980

  • Kanji Inkjet Printer (Kayser system) developed
  • Flash photometry type Jaundice Meter, the world’s first product to conduct measurement without drawing blood, marketed
  • TV ad for the Minolta X-7 featuring Yoshiko Miyazaki causes a sensation

1977

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)

1952

Konica Camera Company, Konica’s first U.S. subsidiary, was established in Philadelphia to facilitate distribution of Konica products in the United States.

1940

  • Introduction of Sakura Natural Colour Film, the first colour film made in Japan.

1936

Konishiroku Honten (later renamed Konica Corporation) established as a joint-stock company through reorganization.

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.
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