FPT Japan and global imaging and printing solutions leader Konica Minolta announced on January 23 the establishment of a joint venture, Konica Minolta FPT Solution Labs Inc., to fortify software development capabilities and boost business growth in the office solutions sector.

Built on an ongoing successful partnership in place since 2017, Konica Minolta FPT Solution Labs will be established on April 1, 2024, and headquartered in Tokyo with a subsidiary in Hanoi. The new joint venture will be managed by Konica Minolta, with a shareholding ratio of 59 per cent and 41 per cent for Konica Minolta and FPT Japan, respectively. Its main focuses are software development for multifunction printers and related businesses entrusted by Konica Minolta and its group subsidiaries.

As the modern workplace evolves, printing infrastructure and environments have become significantly digitalized, requiring more complex technological integration to improve efficiency, productivity, and cooperation. Leveraging FPT’s extensive technological expertise and resources together with Konica Minolta’s long-time experience and industrial know-how, the resulting synergy will address the increasing demand for advanced print management software with tailored and cutting-edge solutions.

The establishment of the joint venture represents a new height in the partnership between the two companies, fostering Konica Minolta’s global business across approximately 150 countries worldwide. Konica Minolta FPT Solution Labs also sets its sights on other peripheral areas of the industry, such as smart office solutions and untapped software solutions.

Following its investment in the Japan-based tech consulting firm LTS Inc., this latest move further highlights FPT’s commitment to delivering business resilience, agility, and world-class digital transformation solutions to one of its core markets via its subsidiary, FPT Japan.

After nearly two decades in business, FPT Japan is one of the country’s largest foreign-invested tech firms in terms of human resources, with 2,900 employees working in 16 local offices and innovation hubs as well as nearly 15,000 employees working from overseas providing services and solutions to over 450 clients worldwide. The company has been recognized for its excellent employee benefits and workplace happiness, including Best Workplaces in Asia, Best Places To Work in Japan, and Best Places To Work for Women in Japan awards.