Komori releases corporate aspirations for 2025

Japanese press manufacturer, Komori, has revealed its corporate aspirations for 2025, promising new innovations, improved productivity, and a more sustainable corporate structure.

In its corporate aspirations document, Komori acknowledges that global economic fluctuations have caused them to face numerous challenges. As Komori outlines in its recent company mission statement: “We are facing a rapidly changing, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous social and economic environment in every aspect”.

However, Komori points to its recent technological advancements as allowing them to realise significant accomplishments despite these difficulties in the market.

At drupa 2024, Komori introduced the Lithrone GX/G advance EX Edition offset printing press and the J-throne 29 digital printing press, under the theme of ‘Connected Automation’.

At the time of release, Komori said that the J-throne 29 had printing speeds of 6,000sph, which at the time was the fastest printing speeds in the B2+ inkjet press class.

The launch of the J-throne 29 broadened the manufacturer’s digital press portfolio, which previously comprised of the Impremia IS29s 29” sheetfed UV inkjet digital press and the Impremia NS40 40” sheetfed nanographic printing system.

Moving into 2025, the company aims to develop as a key player in the B1 and B2+ markets by advancing the mass production of the J-throne 29 and promoting further sales of its Impremia NS40.

In Komori’s core business of offset printing, it has pointed to the development of automated printing processes, and environmentally conscious printing machines as key priorities.

In October of 2024, Komori introduced a new ‘smart factory’ model at its Komori Graphic Technology Center, which utilises full automation of printing processes and a centralised management system to increase overall efficiency.

Komori aims to continue in these endeavours, enhancing the efficiency of systems and automation equipment further and, in its own words, “contributing to the development of the printing industry as an open innovation hub that improves the overall productivity of our customers' factories”.

In its securities printing business, it points towards an increased demand for currency printing alongside stable demand for banknote printing machines as promising signs for 2025.

In this field, Komori aims to “acquire new customers, expand our market share, and pursue new security technologies to deliver safety, security, and trust”.

Komori’s integrated report for 2024, released on Christmas Day, included an introduction to new anti-counterfeiting technology, in the wake of new banknotes being issued in Japan for the first time in 20 years.

In its printed electronics arm, its aims to develop technologies for fine-line printing and thin-film coating, which will aim to reduce environmental impact and improve productivity. It has pointed towards recent innovations in the sector, which has allowed for enhanced functionality of electronic substrates.

Last year marked the 101st anniversary of the company, which it labelled as “the first year of our rebirth”. As part of the anniversary, Komori launched a new medium-term management plan for 2025 to 2027.

Among the goals outlined in the plan released in May of 2024, Komori set out to achieve an operating profit margin of 7% or more and a return on equity of 6% or more. It also revealed plans to transform into a leaner management structure, as part of wider goals to strengthen management foundations in the medium term.

Komori's corporate philosophy uses the Japanese concept of ‘kando’, the ‘deep impression’ or feeling of satisfaction felt when encountering something of significant value. Komori’s management philosophy aims to realise the kando of 'beyond expectations’.

Speaking of its kando, Komori says: “While navigating changes in the times and valuing the spirit of constant innovation, we will develop new technologies and products and provide prompt services.

“This year, we will strive toward transformation and challenge as one unified team. We kindly ask for your continued guidance and support throughout the year.”