Fujicopian

Basic Information

Stock Code
7957
Industry
Other Products
Category Detail
Daily Necessities & Household Products
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
March 1950
Listing Year
August 1988
Official Website
http://www.fujicopian.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Hobonichi, Orbex, Kyoryo Information & Communications, Imura, Morio Electric, Nanshin, Seiwa Chuo HD, Noritsu Koki, Pilot Corporation, King Jim, Rihit Lab, Mitsubishi Pencil, Kokuyo

Overview

Fujicopian is a consumables manufacturer for information recording founded in 1950, holding the top domestic market share in thermal transfer printing media and ink ribbons, and is a long-established company.

Current Situation

Fujicopian recorded consolidated sales of approximately 8.2 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2023, but posted an operating loss. Its mainstay functional films and thermal transfer recording media maintain high shares in the domestic market, and it also provides printing and coating services. In terms of technology, it possesses proprietary technologies in the thermal transfer printing field, differentiating itself from competitors with product quality and reliability. Overseas expansion is limited, with a history of entry into Hong Kong, the United States, and formerly the United Kingdom. Moving forward, challenges include product diversification, value enhancement, and management reforms to escape the red ink. Socially, it emphasizes quality management and environmental initiatives through ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications, promoting sustainable business practices. Market risks include intensifying price competition and rapid technological innovation, but it enjoys steady support from printing demand, with stable earnings expected. In the medium to long term, development of new materials, expansion of environmentally friendly products, and re-entry into overseas markets will be key to growth. Plans continue to strengthen its business foundation based on traditional technologies and respond to market needs.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Holds top domestic share in printing ribbons.
  • Long-established printing-related manufacturer founded in 1950.
  • Strengthened proprietary technology through technology introductions from the U.S. and U.K.
  • Has a history of having a local subsidiary in the U.K.
  • Early adopter of environmental ISO14001 certification.
  • Specialized in thermal transfer technology within the printing field.
  • Domestic top share in thermal transfer fabric ribbons.
  • Manufacturing bases in Osaka and Okayama.
  • Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market.
  • Business centered on information recording consumables since founding.
  • Representative Director Chairman from the founding Akagi family.
  • Also manufactures various stationery and office supplies.
  • Mainly corporate-oriented products with many long-term customers.
  • Transaction history with many major information equipment manufacturers.
  • Incorporates overseas product technologies through technical partnerships.

Hidden Connections

  • Has cross-license agreements in the past with IBM and major U.S. companies.
  • Once established a local subsidiary in the U.K. to challenge the European market.
  • Major insurance companies, banks, and securities firms are listed as major shareholders.
  • 100% owns a Hong Kong subsidiary within the group, linking to overseas markets.
  • Deep technical and product collaboration with electrical and information communications companies.
  • Shares the market with competitors like Kokuyo and King Jim in office supplies.
  • Classified in the small subcategory of stationery/OA supplies industry, with high specialization.
  • Implements employee stock ownership plan through employee stockholding association.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding demand for environmentally friendly printing materials
  • Stable market needs for IT/OA equipment
  • Increased stationery demand from domestic remote work expansion
  • Growth in overseas demand for environmental materials
  • Enhanced competitiveness through product multifunctionality and high value-addition
  • Improved corporate image based on sustainable management
  • New applications for special functional films
  • Strengthening OEM supply system and customer development
  • Application of technology to digital printing field
  • Increased new adoptions of printing materials for industrial equipment
  • Advancements in high-function printing/recording material technologies
  • Needs for product reviews due to environmental regulations

Strategic Goals

  • Promote eco-ification of all products toward zero environmental impact
  • Achieve overseas sales ratio of over 20%
  • Diversify revenue through active entry into new business fields
  • Continuously strengthen R&D investment and technology accumulation
  • Expand product lineup corresponding to digital shift
  • Complete factory smartization and energy-saving measures
  • Employee skill enhancement and diversity promotion
  • Secure long-term contracts through strong customer relationship building
  • Expand environmental and social contribution activities as industry leader
  • Improve financial soundness and implement stable dividend policy

Business Segments

OEM Supply for Information Equipment

Overview
Conducts OEM supply of high-quality thermal transfer materials for information equipment with high reliability.
Competitiveness
Long-cultivated thermal transfer technology and stable supply system
Customers
  • Printer manufacturers
  • Office equipment manufacturers
  • POS equipment manufacturers
  • Typewriter manufacturers
  • Manufacturers of equipment for financial institutions
Products
  • Thermal transfer ribbons
  • Functional films
  • Thermal recording media
  • Printing fabric ribbons
  • OEM custom products

Printing Processing Contract Services

Overview
Provides contract services in high-definition and special printing fields, contributing to product value enhancement.
Competitiveness
Proprietary coating technology and ability to meet diverse printing needs
Customers
  • Printing industry companies
  • Packaging material manufacturers
  • Electronic component manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Home appliance manufacturers
Products
  • Thermal transfer coating processing
  • Special printing processing
  • Functional film printing
  • Stain-resistant coating
  • High-precision printing contracts

Office Supply Manufacturing and Sales

Overview
Offers a wide range of stationery and OA equipment supply products for general consumers.
Competitiveness
High-quality product lineup and extensive sales channel network
Customers
  • Stationery retailers
  • Office supply wholesalers
  • Major office supply chains
  • Educational institutions
  • General corporations
Products
  • Correction tapes
  • Fabric ribbons
  • Ink ribbons
  • Office files
  • OA consumables

Environmentally Friendly Product Development

Overview
Promoting development and supply of new materials and products emphasizing environmental conservation.
Competitiveness
Technological development pursuing sustainability
Customers
  • Environmental equipment manufacturers
  • Government-related organizations
  • Eco-product sellers
  • Corporate CSR departments
  • Research institutions
Products
  • Biodegradable films
  • Recycled raw material ribbons
  • Environmentally considerate printing materials
  • Energy-saving printing materials
  • Recycled materials

Functional Materials for Electronic Components

Overview
Provides advanced functional materials for electronic components, contributing to improved reliability.
Competitiveness
Precision technology and stable quality material supply
Customers
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • Semiconductor-related companies
  • Communications equipment manufacturers
  • Automotive electronics manufacturers
  • Home appliance manufacturers
Products
  • Conductive films
  • Insulating materials
  • Precision printing films
  • Electronic control component materials
  • High-function resins

Ticketing & Form-Related Products

Overview
Manufactures and sells dedicated products for ticketing machines and registers, with proven track record.
Competitiveness
Custom response capabilities specialized for business applications
Customers
  • Transportation companies
  • Retail stores
  • Event operators
  • Public facilities
  • Financial institutions
Products
  • Ticketing ribbons
  • Special-purpose form printing
  • POS consumables
  • Thermal labels
  • Register paper

Stationery OEM & Custom Products

Overview
Strengthening OEM product production and customization services in the stationery field.
Competitiveness
Flexible design response and stable quality
Customers
  • Major stationery manufacturers
  • Retail chains
  • Promotional item suppliers
  • Education-related organizations
  • Corporate novelty departments
Products
  • Correction tape OEM
  • Fabric ribbon custom products
  • Special color ribbons
  • Limited design products
  • Promotional novelties

Supply to Sales Agents

Overview
Handles broad product supply via agents, supporting sales promotion.
Competitiveness
Efficient logistics network
Customers
  • Specialty trading companies
  • OA equipment retailers
  • Stationery retailers
  • Mail-order companies
  • Mass retailers
Products
  • Standard consumables
  • New product samples
  • Promotional items
  • Bulk business supply
  • Seasonal limited products

R&D Services

Overview
Provides R&D-related services to support customers' new technology development.
Competitiveness
High technological expertise in material properties
Customers
  • University labs
  • Corporate research institutes
  • Technology development departments
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Materials companies
Products
  • Material development collaboration
  • Application testing services
  • Technical consulting
  • Performance evaluation
  • Contract analysis

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Overview
Deploys logistics and management services to smooth product supply.
Competitiveness
Efficient network building capabilities
Customers
  • Retail industry
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Importers/exporters
  • Wholesalers
  • Domestic sales partners
Products
  • Inventory management systems
  • Logistics optimization services
  • Delivery management
  • Delivery scheduling
  • Supply chain coordination

Overseas Business Expansion Support

Overview
Limited but conducting overseas market development and local base support.
Competitiveness
Proven overseas technical collaboration
Customers
  • Overseas sales agents
  • Local subsidiaries
  • Exporters
  • Global partners
  • Investment companies
Products
  • Local supply system development
  • Technical support
  • Export management
  • Market analysis
  • Overseas marketing

Environmental Management Services

Overview
Provides related services to support environmental measures and regulatory compliance.
Competitiveness
ISO certification and environmental technology know-how
Customers
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Public institutions
  • Environmental groups
  • CSR departments
  • Research institutions
Products
  • Environmental assessment consulting
  • Waste management
  • Environmentally friendly product provision
  • Energy-saving promotion support
  • ISO acquisition support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic top-class market share in printing ribbon market
  • Accumulated thermal transfer technology over many years
  • High-quality manufacturing and coating technology
  • Multiple product lineups
  • Stable customer base
  • Quality and environmental management via ISO9001/14001 certification
  • Reliability of Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard listing
  • Proprietary thermal transfer media development capabilities
  • Extensive sales channel network
  • Specialized technical skills of employees
  • Overseas technical partnerships and partial local subsidiary operations
  • OEM supply strengths
  • High competitiveness in niche markets
  • Stable capital base
  • Diversified product deployment

Competitive Advantages

  • Brand superiority from largest domestic printing ribbon market share
  • High-quality thermal transfer film manufacturing via proprietary technology
  • Customer trust gained from extensive industry track record
  • Stable supply system with multiple factories and overseas bases
  • Diverse product lineup for various applications
  • OEM supply contracts with major information equipment manufacturers
  • Thorough quality management via ISO certification
  • Differentiation through development of new materials and eco-friendly products
  • Fundraising capabilities as Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard-listed company
  • Custom product response leveraging high manufacturing technology
  • Enhanced sales power through diverse sales channels
  • Revenue stability from strong customer base and long-term contracts
  • Flexible technical support system within the industry
  • Advanced R&D capabilities of in-house engineers
  • Flexible sales structure with both OEM supply and direct sales

Threats

  • Market shrinkage risk from digitalization of printing technology
  • Intensifying price competition with low-cost overseas products
  • Potential demand decline from new alternative technologies
  • Rising manufacturing costs from global resource price surges
  • Product change burdens from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Customer concentration risk
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on overseas earnings
  • Intensified competition from new entrants
  • Suppressed capital investment during economic downturns
  • Challenges in talent acquisition and development
  • Market share loss from delays in technology development
  • Reduced purchases or expanded options from major customers

Innovations

2023: Development of High-Function Eco-Friendly Ribbons

Overview
Developed new printing ribbons using biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact.
Impact
Contributes to sales expansion as products compliant with environmental regulations.

2022: Advancement of Thermal Transfer Printing Technology

Overview
Developed new products improving printing precision using fine printing technology and composite materials.
Impact
Successfully acquired new customers with high-value-added products.

2021: Introduction of Automated Coating Processes

Overview
Installed the latest automated coating line at the Okayama factory to improve production efficiency.
Impact
Achieved 10% reduction in production costs and shorter delivery times.

2020: Enhanced Development of OEM Products for Overseas

Overview
Accelerated product development tailored to local needs at Hong Kong and U.S. factories.
Impact
Contributes to maintaining and expanding share in overseas markets.

Sustainability

  • Maintenance of ISO14001-compliant environmental management system
  • Introduction of energy-saving production equipment
  • Improvement of waste recycling rate
  • Active adoption of environmentally friendly materials
  • Regular training to raise employees' environmental awareness
  • Participation in local environmental conservation activities
  • Construction of product environmental impact assessment system
  • Compliance with green procurement policy
  • Annual issuance of environmental reports
  • Setting targets for energy usage reduction
  • Promotion of in-house paperless operations
  • Promotion of sustainable resource procurement