Epson Invests Sh4.2 Billion in a New Factory at Tohoku Japan

 

Global technology company Epson Corporation has  announced plans to invest approximately KES 4.2 billion [5.1 billion Yen] in the construction of a new factory for inkjet printheads in Tohoku Epson.

The construction of the factory that began on15th June, 2024, with completion targeted for September 2025. The investment in the new facility is projected to approximately quadruple Tohoku Epson’s current printhead production capacity.

Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa Mukesh Bector, says  the new facility represents Epson’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, as it will not only enhance production capabilities but also lower the environmental impact of digital printing.

The new factory building will employ a newly engineered process that will save manpower and space, with minimizing in-process inventory, automated transfer robots, and efficient layout reducing the workload on personnel. We will respond to the challenges faced by the manufacturing industry, and realize a factory of the future that is both more efficient and easier to work in.

Epson’s printing solutions business provides products and services based on original Micro Piezo inkjet technology to customers in the office, home, commercial and industrial markets. The company expects to see sustained global demand for inkjet printers based on current growth in high-speed units for the office and on continued demand for high-capacity ink tank printers for the home and office in emerging markets and North America.

Demand for commercial and industrial inkjet printers is increasing along with a technology shift from analog to digital in sectors where the printing media is not paper, such as digital textile printing. Moreover, many commercial and industrial inkjet printers use PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads. These printheads can be flexibly adapted for different applications by assembling MicroTFP print chips in various combinations.

Epson expects further growth in the use of PrecisionCore printheads in commercial and industrial printers as well as in inkjet multifunction printers with high-speed lineheads.

Epson is strengthening its printhead sales business to accelerate inkjet innovation and expand the applications for digital printing, which has a far lower environmental impact than conventional printing. With an ever expanding range of printing applications as well as emerging needs in areas such as electronics and bioprinting. Epson is looking to collaborate with partners with new ideas and technologies. Through such open innovation, we are seeking to expand the possibilities of PrecisionCore technology.

“Epson’s investment in the new inkjet printhead factory will significantly boost the production capacity, meeting the growing global demand for high-speed and high-capacity printers in various markets including Africa,” said Bector.

Tohoku Epson began manufacturing printheads [CHIPS heads] in 1995 and launched volume production of PrecisionCore printheads in June 2013 on a fully automated assembly line that makes extensive use of Epson robots. It has been accumulating expertise in printhead production and building a solid base of production technology, increasing its competitive advantage as a domestic production site.

Read Also: Epson to Unveil Eco-Friendly Scanner Range at GITEX Africa 2024

Seiko Epson’s Hirooka Office, in Nagano Prefecture, handles front-end processing of micro-TFP print chips. Plans call for production of these chips to increase over the next three years. The new Tohoku Epson factory will accommodate this increase and, together with Akita Epson Building No. 10, construction on which was completed in December 2023, will expand domestic back-end process production capacity.

To ensure stable production, each of the two sites in the Tohoku region will be allocated responsibility for different models, but to ensure business continuity, both sites will be able to flexibly adapt to production fluctuations with production lines for the most popular models and with shared lines. This will enable the company to strengthen its product lineup in response to future demand for inkjet printers equipped with PrecisionCore printheads.

This is the first new building at Tohoku Epson since the construction of a semiconductor fabrication facility in 1997. To limit noise and ensure safety in the vicinity of the site, the company will shorten the construction period by pouring the concrete floor in winter instead of stopping work. As a corporate citizen rooted in the local community, Tohoku Epson aims to have this factory contribute to the development and harmony of the local community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post

Mastercard Foundation Appoints Carole Wainaina to Board of Directors

Wed Jun 26 , 2024
Share on Facebook Tweet it Share on Reddit Pin it Share it Email   The Mastercard Foundation has announced the appointment of Carole Wamuyu Wainaina to its Board of Directors. Wainaina brings 35 years of global experience in multinationals and multilateral organizations, with expertise in strategy, organizational transformation, and human […]

You May Also Like

Chief Editor

Jacktone Lawi

Meet Jacktone Lawi, a seasoned technology journalist with years of experience in the industry. I have developed my passion for technology during my formative years, which has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. My expertise lies in reporting on emerging technologies and their impact on businesses and consumers worldwide. Through my experience I’m well-versed in covering topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital transformation, among others. Throughout my career, I have has demonstrated an exceptional ability to distill complex technical information into accessible and engaging content that resonates with my readers. My writing style is clear, concise, and informative, allowing me to communicate even the most technical concepts to a broad audience. Beyond my writing skills, I have also become known for extensive network of industry contacts and ability to secure exclusive interviews with high-profile figures in the technology world. These connections have enabled me to gain unique insights into the latest trends and developments in the field, giving me a competitive edge in my reporting. In addition to my work as a journalist, I’m also actively engaged in the broader technology community. Where I regularly attend conferences and events, share insights and stays up-to-date on the latest innovations in the industry. Overall, my wealth of experience as a technology journalist have given me a deep understanding of the industry and its impact on society.

Quick Links