Konica Minolta launches Professional Print Division

Konica Minolta has launched a Professional Print Division in Europe for which it has appointed a new general manager.

The company said it has been created to reflect the growing importance of the industrial and commercial printing sectors as it moves more into marketing, software and cross-media services to take print applications to a new level.

Konica Minolta has a stated aim of replicating its success in the mid-production color printing sector in the industrial printing market. Key industrial applications such as label and packaging are the focus of Konica Minolta’s research, as evidenced by its development of new printing technology and partnerships with companies such as MGI Digital Technology.

In recent years, the company has increased its presence in industrial markets with the launch of its AccurioJet KM-1 UV inkjet sheet-fed press and bizhub Press C71cf on-demand label printer, as well as other developments in packaging and professional printing sectors.

Indy Nakagawa, president of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said: "Given Konica Minolta’s heritage of being a world leader in industrial printing based on our outstanding inkjet technology, which make us number one in the textile market as well as a leading manufacturer for inkjet heads, we are now further expanding into industrial printing solutions for our professional print business in Europe."

"The new division has been established to further support these with dedicated knowledge, expertise and leading-edge solutions. We welcome Charles as he brings his considerable industry expertise to what is an exciting new opportunity in a fast-moving market."

Charles Lissenburg is to lead the Professional Print Division as general manager, and said: "There are huge new opportunities within industrial and commercial printing markets which we seek to capitalize on. As we continue to grow our unique approaches into the high-end commercial print and industrial markets, it is key that we provide customers with insight and business tools to enable them to capture new market opportunities."

"The Professional Print Division aims to expand its digital printing business by leveraging its technologies to meet the need for high-mix, small-quantity variable production and short lead times, and by offering solutions to enhance printing operation efficiency."