Fujifilm Plans Growth In New Zealand

Fujifilm Plans Growth In New Zealand

The recent change of ownership in Fujifilm New Zealand (formerly Hanimex New Zealand) is likely to increase investment in the market for digital imaging technology in this country.

The new owner, Fuji Photo Film Company, has signalled that it will substantially increase its business in both New Zealand and Australia.

The Managing Director of Fujifilm New Zealand, Mr John Laidlaw, said Fuji’s financial, technical and marketing strength would help the New Zealand operation to grow its business in both ‘picture taking’ and ‘picture making.’ Internationally, Fuji is at the forefront of digital and traditional imaging in the consumer, commercial, industrial and medical markets.

The newly-appointed chief executive officer of Fujifilm for New Zealand and Australia, Mr Matt Ushida, says the purchase “will put us in a position where we can dramatically increase the competitive strength of our digital products on the Australian and New Zealand markets.

“We see great opportunities and are fully committed to making all the necessary investments. We will also be able to expand new business models in high technology, such as networks,” Mr Ushida said.

Fuji acquired Hanimex Group from Ricoh Company Limited earlier this month. The New Zealand operation offers a wide range of cameras, film and digital imaging equipment, and also warehousing & logistics and technical services. It is the official importer and distributor of Fujifilm products in this country.

Fujifilm New Zealand operates from an Auckland head office and national distribution facility, and has sales and technical support staff resident in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Annual turnover is approximately $80 million. Its sister companies Viko and Camera House are respectively the country’s largest centralised wholesale photofinisher and the leading photographic retailer.

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