TOKYO, Japan, September 18 - Seiko Epson Corporation has reached an agreement with Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. In the agreement, Noritsu will use Seiko Epson's Micro Piezo inkjet technology in the former's in-store photofinishing minilab systems. Beginning in early 2003, Noritsu Koki plans to begin offering dry minilabs to both new and existing customers around the globe.

With the rapid growth of digital cameras, digital photography is becoming more commonplace. Seiko Epson is expanding and stimulating this growth by developing new technologies and new products for both individuals and businesses to make digital photography more accessible and more fun.

Noritsu Koki, the first manufacturer to develop minilabs, has established itself as the global leader in photofinishing minilabs, with an approximately 50 percent share* of the world market for photofinishing minilab installations. In addition to its traditional photofinishing minilabs, Noritsu has been developing minilabs that implement new technology to support and promote digital photography. Newly established dry technology has led to convenient and compact minilabs that reduce the burden placed on the environment. Dry photo printing is an inkjet-based technology that eliminates the need for developers and other environmentally harmful chemicals that are normally used in the photofinishing process and which require special handling and disposal. Dry photo printing systems are also simpler to handle and operate.

With similar philosophies on digital photography, the two companies reached an agreement to cooperate in order to further stimulate the growth of digital photography. Under the agreement, the partners will share their technologies and know-how to develop and market dry minilabs. Seiko Epson will furnish its Micro Piezo inkjet technology, the core of a dry system. Noritsu Koki will work with Seiko Epson to develop and implement image-processing technology that will be used in these low-cost, compact, highly reliable dry minilabs. Furthermore, Noritsu Koki, recognizing the advantages of dry technology, will target not only existing photography markets but also such new outlets as stores, public facilities, and hotels, which have until now been generally unable to provide traditional photofinishing services. Noritsu anticipates worldwide sales of approximately 10,000 units over the next four years.

The first jointly developed product is expected to be launched in early 2003. Noritsu Koki plans to display a prototype product at Photokina 2002, the world's largest camera show, which opens on Sept. 25, in Cologne, Germany. The two companies plan to further deepen their ties to expand the dry minilab product line.

Seiko Epson will continue contributing to the growth of the digital photo culture by providing inkjet technology for a variety of digital printing environments, from home printing to street-corner printing services such as photofinishing shops.


* Source: Noritsu Koki

About Seiko Epson
Seiko Epson is a progressive company that increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. The company's main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices including semiconductors, LCDs and crystal devices, and precision products, especially watches. Seiko Epson is a global leader in high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness and energy efficiency with sales in fiscal 2001 of 1,274 billion yen and a workforce of 68,786 employees.

About Noritsu Koki
Noritsu Koki is the world's leading manufacturer of photofinishing equipment. The first company in the world to develop an automated film processing machine, it is pioneer of the QSS (Quick Service System) minilab, which revolutionized film processing. Committed to a policy of "Service from the customer's standpoint," the company works actively to protect the global environment and promote harmony in the community.
Noritsu has employees around the world and enjoyed sales of 67 billion yen in fiscal 2001.