A History of Ricoh

Ricoh Co., Ltd. was founded in 1936 by Kiyoshi Ichimura. Ichimura was the son of a poor farmer. He was born with no privileges or advantages. Quite the contrary, all that he achieved was born of his own intelligence, determination and vision.

Ichimura's first major innovation was the RicohFlex III. Introduced in 1950, this was the world's first mass-produced twin-lens reflex camera. This level of technological innovation was very significant and gives us an important insight into Ichimura's vision and ambitions for the future. He followed with many other innovations, like the 1955 introduction of our first desktop copy machine, the Ricopy 101. In 1973 we introduced the world's first fully-digital facsimile machine, the RIFAX 600S.

Ichimura passed away in 1968, but his focus on innovative answers to the challenges people face at work and in their homes is still a major driving force within the company he created.

However, technical innovation was only part of Ricoh’s founder's vision. Ricoh adheres to the philosophy: “Love your neighbor, Love your country, and Love your work”, advocated by its founder, Kiyoshi Ichimura. Ricoh thus also developed a sense of corporate social responsibility that is talked about a great deal today, but was almost unheard of seventy years ago. Essentially, he recognized that his ambitions would touch the lives of thousands and then millions of people in countries and communities around the world. He made an early and genuine commitment to social and environmental sustainability in every aspect of Ricoh's business activities.

Today we are a global company, but still hold true to our origins and the visions of our founder. To understand Ricoh is to recognize the twin visions of Kiyoshi Ichimura: to innovate on behalf of our customers; to pursue sustainable business practices on behalf of every life we touch.

Global Network

Ricoh began marketing Ricoh brand PPCs (Plain Paper Copiers) in 1981, in both the North American and European markets. As a key player in the global office computerization and networking boom, in just two decades Ricoh has become a leader in digital office solutions.

Since 1995 Ricoh has embarked on an ambitious strategy to increase its global distribution network. The Ricoh Group brands now comprise of Gestetner, Rex-Rotary, Nashuatec, Savin, Lanier and Infotec, with each brand having its own particular area of competence and customer base. The Ricoh Group currently enjoys No.1 market share in Europe and the USA.

Now with 81,900 employees and offices in over 150 countries, the Ricoh Group has built one of the industry's most extensive sales and support network. Our powerful global network serves the needs of a diversified customer base.

The Ricoh Group prides itself on providing the highest level of technology and service in all markets.