LAC Corporation (now LAC) was formed in 1983 in Tokyo and develops and manufactures digital printing systems for printing on products from cars and trucks to tyres and glass bottles. Its technology can discharge high-viscosity ink from a maximum of 100mm, enabling printing directly onto three-dimensional objects. The firm sells a range of industrial printing systems using this technology, for cars, gas cylinders, tyres and glass. Ricoh intents to combine this technology with its own technologies in a bid to growth the industrial print side of the business.

In a statement, Ricoh says the buy is “one of a series of strategic investments” that the firm plans to make as part of its growth strategy plan entitled ‘Ricoh Ignite’, which was outlined in February 2018. The plan outlines an expansion of the firm’s printing technology portfolio, with the aim of enhancing its customer base.

The statement continues: “By combining LAC’s proprietary inkjet technology and Ricoh’s technologies such as imaging systems and manufacturing, Ricoh will create new value for its customers. In addition, Ricoh is planning to expand LAC’s offerings into new overseas markets, using Ricoh’s global network.”

Ricoh has been developing inkjet technologies for over 40 years which are used across home printing as well as commercial and industrial printing applications. The firm reports it has also been strengthening its capabilities in display printing for paper and other materials, and applied printing which combines processes and materials, adding value to the product.

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