January 20, 2006: Konica Minolta has announced its intention to step out of its imaging-related businesses and will transfer certain assets related to its digital SLR camera system to Sony.
In a press announcement published overnight, the company says, “in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies”. The withdrawal from camera production – except for digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses produced for Sony – will take effect on 31 March, 2006. Camera service operations for all Konica Minolta, Konica, Minolta brand cameras (including film cameras) and related equipment will be transferred to Sony, which is tipped to expand its digital imaging product portfolio. The company is reported to be accelerating the development of DSLR cameras using the Dynax lens mount. New models will include Sony’s CCD and CMOS sensors, image processing technologies and lithium ion batteries. It is likely these cameras will carry the Sony brand name.
The company’s involvement in production of colour film and printing papers will also be scaled back and production will cease at the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. Manufacture of minilab equipment will terminate by the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006 and servicing of existing equipment will be transferred to Noritsu Koki. The closure of the camera and photo businesses will see worldwide staffing cut by 3,700. The company is offering early retirement packages to affected staff. As a result of these decisions, Konica Minolta Group will be focusing its energies on non-consumer business technologies, such as copiers, printers, medical-related equipment and display-related devices.
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