Ricoh
Basic Information
- Stock Code
- 7752
- Industry
- Electrical Equipment
- Category Detail
- Information & Communication Equipment
- Prefecture
- Tokyo
- Establishment Year
- February 1936
- Listing Year
- May 1949
- Official Website
- https://jp.ricoh.com/
- TSE Information
- TSE Information
- Yahoo! Finance
- Yahoo! Finance
- Other Companies
- FUJIFILM Holdings, Konica Minolta, Riso Kagaku, Katsukawa Electric, Brother Industries, Epson, Kyocera, Canon Electronics, Canon
Overview
Ricoh is an electrical equipment manufacturer founded in 1936, holding high market shares domestically and internationally in multifunction devices, digital cameras, and more.
Current Situation
In fiscal 2022, Ricoh recorded consolidated sales of 1.7585 trillion yen and operating profit of 40 billion yen, maintaining the top share in the domestic copier market. Its core business is the manufacturing and sales of digital multifunction devices and office automation equipment. In recent years, it has focused on imaging devices including digital cameras and image scanners. In technological innovation, it developed new products like the 360-degree camera 'RICOH THETA,' which was featured as a notable technology by MIT. Production bases are being transferred from China to Thailand to improve supply chain efficiency. For sustainability, it participates in RE100, aiming for 100% renewable energy use, and continues these activities. Its mid-to-long-term strategy emphasizes strengthening global sales networks and enhancing added value in business equipment. In 2024, it established a joint venture with Toshiba Tec to boost market competitiveness. By making PFU a subsidiary, it is expanding its image scanner business, anticipating multifaceted business development and growth.
Trivia
Interesting Facts
- 'Ricopy' was once synonymous with copiers
- RICOH THETA's 360-degree camera certified as globally notable technology by MIT
- Top share in Japan for color and monochrome copiers
- Company name derives from Riken Senshokushi Co., Ltd. at founding in 1936
- Historic product 'Ricopy 101' certified as Mechanical Heritage
- Pioneering company in smoking ban, early implementation of total employee ban
- 100% ownership of multiple office equipment-related subsidiaries for vertical integration
- Made PFU's scanner business a subsidiary and implemented brand integration
- Balances competition and collaboration with rivals like Canon and FUJIFILM
- Sponsors Women's Shogi Throne Tournament, contributing to cultural activities
- Originated from Siai Group, operates separately from fashion business
- Major domestic production bases located in Ota Ward, Atsugi City, Numazu City, etc.
- Has led technological innovation in office equipment industry for many years
- Customer-centric business through diverse sales channels
- Long-established company with over 100 years in Japan
Hidden Connections
- Has historical background founded with deep technological ties to RIKEN
- Absorbed major business divisions from Hitachi and HOYA to diversify operations
- Subsidiary of PENTAX camera business to promote brand diversification
- Recognized internationally for environmental management as RE100 member
- Involved in shogi AI technology development in collaboration with Japan Shogi Association
- Siai Dream Center advertising tower established as urban landmark
- Strengthened comprehensive capabilities in imaging field through technology sharing with PFU
- Deploys OTC trading in U.S. market with RICOY code in OCTV market
Future Outlook
Growth Drivers
- Expansion of digital multifunction device demand in global markets
- Development of new applications for 360-degree and special imaging equipment
- Strengthened integration of IT solutions and cloud services
- Improved cost competitiveness through sustainable production systems
- Expansion of DX (digital transformation) support business
- Sales channel expansion and local production enhancement in emerging markets
- Increased demand for green products due to rising environmental awareness
- Integration and product strengthening of RICOH brand products
- New product and technology creation through internal R&D
- Growth in new fields such as industrial 3D printers
Strategic Goals
- Achieve RE100 and reduce environmental impact by 80% toward decarbonized society
- Realize global sales of 2 trillion yen scale
- Expand ratio of IT solution business alongside OA equipment
- Diversify revenue structure through new businesses
- Strengthen brand influence in world markets
- Improve global competitiveness through production base optimization
- Continue advanced technology development in digital cameras/imaging equipment
- Deepen diversity management including promotion of women and young talent
- Service innovation for enhanced customer experience value
- Build sustainable supply chains
Business Segments
Office Equipment Sales and Leasing
- Overview
- Provides a wide range of office equipment sales and leasing services to companies and government agencies.
- Competitiveness
- Industry-leading sales network and support system
- Customers
-
- Small and Medium Enterprises
- Large Corporations
- Government Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Medical Institutions
- Products
-
- Multifunction Device Leasing
- Printer Sales
- OA Equipment Maintenance and Support
- Fax Systems
Business Printing Equipment
- Overview
- Supplies large print equipment and related products specialized for the printing industry.
- Competitiveness
- Development capabilities for high-precision, high-durability products
- Customers
-
- Printing Companies
- Publishing Companies
- Advertising Agencies
- Products
-
- Large Business Printers
- Offset Printers
- Screen Printers
Imaging Product Sales
- Overview
- Proposes and sells image input devices and specialized equipment.
- Competitiveness
- Advanced imaging technology
- Customers
-
- Photo Studios
- Design Offices
- Medical Sites
- Products
-
- Digital Cameras
- Medical Imaging Equipment
- Scanning Equipment
IT Solutions and Services
- Overview
- Provides corporate IT solutions centered on IT infrastructure and cloud services.
- Competitiveness
- Technological capabilities adaptable to diverse industries
- Customers
-
- Corporate IT Departments
- System Development Companies
- Public Institutions
- Products
-
- Cloud Services
- IT Infrastructure Construction
- System Development Support
Security and Document Management
- Overview
- Provides solutions for secure management of confidential documents.
- Competitiveness
- Highly reliable security technology
- Customers
-
- Financial Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Large Corporations
- Products
-
- Document Management Systems
- Access Control Solutions
- Security Devices
Industrial Equipment and Parts
- Overview
- Manufactures and supplies industrial parts and machinery.
- Competitiveness
- High-precision manufacturing technology
- Customers
-
- Electronic Component Manufacturers
- Manufacturing Companies
- Automotive-Related Companies
- Products
-
- Printed Circuit Board Parts
- Optical Lenses
- Precision Mechanical Parts
Environmental Business
- Overview
- Plans and provides solutions related to environmental conservation and recycling.
- Competitiveness
- Development capabilities for environmentally responsive products
- Customers
-
- Local Governments
- Environmental Companies
- Construction Companies
- Products
-
- Recycling Systems
- Environmental Measurement Equipment
- Energy Efficiency Equipment
Logistics and Storage Services
- Overview
- IT and equipment solutions to support logistics efficiency.
- Competitiveness
- Proven track record across multiple industries
- Customers
-
- Retail Businesses
- Manufacturing Companies
- Wholesalers
- Products
-
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Delivery Management Software
- Storage Equipment
Financial Services
- Overview
- Deploys corporate financial services centered on equipment leasing.
- Competitiveness
- Flexible services tailored to customer needs
- Customers
-
- Corporate Customers
- Small and Medium Enterprises
- Educational Institutions
- Products
-
- Leasing Services
- Finance Support
Education and Training Services
- Overview
- Provides education solutions for human resource development.
- Competitiveness
- Content adaptable to a wide range of fields
- Customers
-
- Corporate Employees
- Public Servants
- Educational Institutions
- Products
-
- IT Education Programs
- Employee Training Services
System Development and Integration
- Overview
- Provides flexible system construction tailored to clients.
- Competitiveness
- Advanced technical consulting
- Customers
-
- Large Corporations
- IT Vendors
- Products
-
- Custom Software Development
- System Integration Services
Marketing Support Services
- Overview
- IT services for customer management and campaign support.
- Competitiveness
- Integration of analysis technology and industry know-how
- Customers
-
- Advertising Agencies
- Retail Businesses
- Manufacturing Companies
- Products
-
- Promotion Support Tools
- Data Analysis Services
Competitive Advantage
Strengths
- Overwhelming sales network in the domestic copier market
- Diversified business expansion and technological strength
- Global production and sales system
- Advanced image processing technology
- Strong brand power and long-standing trust
- Diverse product portfolio
- Comprehensive customer support system
- Proactive efforts in environmental considerations
- Product line strengthening through PFU subsidiary
- Participation in international initiatives like RE100
- Long-term R&D investment and results
- Flexible product development responding to market needs
- Product design with high durability and reliability
- Strong relationships with premium customers domestically and internationally
- Efficiency from vertical integration of manufacturing and sales
Competitive Advantages
- Top market share and overwhelming sales power in domestic copiers and multifunction devices
- RICOH THETA product line incorporating world's first 360-degree camera technology
- Detailed service provision through extensive direct sales network
- Expanded product lineup by integrating PFU's scanner business
- Comprehensive solutions linked with latest digital printing equipment
- Improved cost competitiveness and flexibility through production transfers
- Advanced environmental management through RE100 participation
- High technological prowess and product diversity in OA equipment
- Global sales and service network
- Reliable product creation backed by long years of R&D
- Strengthened integration with IT infrastructure and cloud services
- Customizable solutions adaptable to multiple industries
- Accumulated technological patents and know-how
- Comprehensive customer support and maintenance system
- Strong brand power and tradition since founding
Threats
- Production cost fluctuations due to US-China trade war
- Maturation and contraction of domestic copier demand
- Aggressive price reductions by competitors
- Impact on existing businesses from rapid digitalization
- Influence of international political situation and exchange rate fluctuations
- Intensified technological innovation competition from new entrants
- Rising IT security risks
- Cost increase risks from strengthened environmental regulations
- Intensified competition in global sales channels
- Demand slowdown due to deceleration in emerging markets
Innovations
2023: Integration of PFU's image scanners under RICOH brand
- Overview
- Switched PFU subsidiary's scanner products to RICOH brand and began deploying diverse lineup.
- Impact
- Expanded product range, improving competitiveness in domestic and international markets
2024: Establishment of joint venture 'Etria' with Toshiba Tec
- Overview
- Established joint venture with Toshiba Tec to strengthen competitiveness in multifunction device market and advance technology development.
- Impact
- Aims for market share expansion and new product creation through technological collaboration
2023: Launch of new RICOH THETA 360-degree camera model
- Overview
- Announced high-quality 360-degree camera applying latest technology to meet market needs.
- Impact
- Contributes to strengthening brand power in imaging field and acquiring new customers
2022: Advancement of production base transfer to Thailand
- Overview
- Accelerated production transfer from China to Thailand in response to US-China trade friction, achieving cost reductions.
- Impact
- Succeeded in improving production efficiency and risk diversification
2021: Development of AI-based shogi game record automatic recording system
- Overview
- Jointly developed AI automatic game record system with Japan Shogi Association and introduced it to tournaments.
- Impact
- Contributes to efficient shogi event operations and fan base expansion
2020: Enhanced functionality of cloud storage service 'Quonp'
- Overview
- Improved digital management of photos and documents for better convenience.
- Impact
- Supports business efficiency for corporate customers
2024: Expansion of renewable energy utilization toward RE100 achievement
- Overview
- Company-wide expansion of renewable energy use to promote carbon neutrality.
- Impact
- Contributes to improved environmental ratings and long-term cost reductions
Sustainability
- Participates in RE100 project aiming for 100% renewable energy
- Promotes energy-saving activities at production plants domestically and internationally
- Strengthens material procurement based on Green Purchasing Law
- Optimizes logistics and production for CO2 emission reductions
- Continuously acquires certification as Health Management Excellence Corporation