Konica Minolta eyes 25% share of Indian printing mkt this yr

Japan-based Konica Minolta, which discontinued its camera business globally in 2006, today announced its plans to capture up to 25 per cent share of Indian printing market by year-end.

The company has been supplying printing equipment, including printers and photo-copiers, since 1982 in India through distributors, has recently set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in the country.

"Through our subsidiary, we are setting a direct presence into the Indian printing market and currently have about five per cent market share here," Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Managing Director Tadahiko Sumitamo told reporters here.

He said the company will open offices across India and enhance distribution channel during the year as part of the strategy to strengthen its presence here.

Dominated by companies like Xerox and Canon, India's printing market is estimated to be around four lakh units in volume terms.

"In rest of the world, we normally have a market share of 20-25 per cent. So we have the same target for India by the end of this year," Konica Minolta Business Technologies Director and General Manager Jun Haraguchi said.

The company, today launched a range of printers under 'Bizhub' brand and said it has plans to launch more products targeting businesses and individuals.