Konica Minolta sets up direct Kiwi operation

Konica Minolta is establishing a new direct operation in New Zealand. The operation will sell and support the company's production print, industrial print, and office printing equipment.

It will give New Zealand printers access to the Konica Minolta digital label print range for the first time and make production print equipment available for the first time since 2017.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand will have print industry veteran Eric Holtsmark as its managing director, with Chris O’Hara moving over from CSG – where he was manager national production print – to head the sales operation.

Holtsmark said: “There is a huge opportunity in New Zealand made possible by a long history of success of the Konica Minolta brand in the region. This was largely driven by channel partners and customers that are dedicated users of Konica Minolta technology. Opening a direct operation will provide a way for existing, loyal users to directly access Konica Minolta’s range of technology and solutions.”

The Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 label press will now be available to New Zealand printers for the first time. Its KM-1e digital B2 sheetfed inkjet press and its range of MGI digital embellishing systems will be added later.

The company’s range of digital toner-based AccurioPress production printers will also now be available, after a three-year hiatus from when former distributor CSG was bought by Fuji Xerox. Existing Konica Minolta engines will continue to be serviced by Fuji Xerox.

Over the past few months Konica Minolta New Zealand has been building a local, experienced team, hiring technicians and salespeople to ensure that it is ready to service customers from day one. Konica Minolta Australia will also provide resources to support the expansion.

Yohei Konaka, managing director, Konica Minolta Australia, said: “Konica Minolta has many loyal customers in New Zealand, and we are very happy to now see a direct presence in this country.

“Konica Minolta is one of the world’s most sustainable companies, with a strong commitment to creating value for customers and society, and the communities in which we operate.

“Having a local operation in New Zealand marks a new era for Konica Minolta and its customers and we’re looking forward to bringing Konica Minolta’s products, people, ideas and innovation directly to the New Zealand market.”

Now available in New Zealand: Inside the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230