Netherlands

Since the alliance of Minolta and QMS in 2000, the new company has evolved into a leading player in Europe. Differences in management style and business strategy, which often hinder the success of new partnerships, have actually fused together to create a high performance collaboration.

Headquartered in Utrecht since 1988, Minolta-QMS is the authorized distributor for printers in the Netherlands. Imported from Japan, the products range from color and monochrome printers including digital camera Image software package, scanners, and mechanical parts.

"We knew we had top quality camera products but to grow significantly we had to become competitive in the information technology field. With QMS's core competency in software technology for printing machines, we knew an alliance would be a win-win situation," said Takashi Shiraiwa, the company's managing director.
Takashi Shiraiwa, managing director of Minolta-QMS Europe

"The key to our success in this new area has been providing an excellent service network with a good price. In the printer-copier industry, our support comes in many ways. Not only do we have a strong dealer network, we will guarantee mechanical and technical assistance wherever you are."

Having set up an extensive network of branches across Europe, Minolta-QMS now plans to increase its presence in other parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. "We want to reach as many people as possible in our strategic area. This means expanding our outlets and creating a larger network of regional distributors with the shortcut commercial and logistic distance by IT controlled compact but effective Headquarter. This is one of the secret for us to be able to offer very competitive price range. " comments Shiraiwa.

He also pays special attention to branding. "Minolta is known for its slogan "essentials of imaging." Today, in all our advertising efforts, we highlight the color side of the business and the mission to provide a total solution to customers. In other words to become a one-stop-shop."

On his final year as head of the company, Shiraiwa looks back with pride to the time he led Minolta-QMS through its extensive restructuring in 2000. "We believe that if there had not been any mutual understanding between Minolta and QMS, we would not have reached this success. This is teamwork and the success means mutual benefits."

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