HP Teams up with Japanese Companies

HP’s 3D printing business has announced partnerships with Japan-based companies Mutoh Industries Ltd and Ricoh Japan Corp.

According to the OEM, these partnerships have occurred only one week after HP broadcasted its commercial entry into the world’s largest manufacturing market.

Not only are Ricoh and Mutoh bringing a geographically valuable relationship to HP, they are also set to open a 3D Printing Reference and Experience Center in Tokyo. This will showcase the HP Jet Fusion 3D printing solutions and allow them to converse and connect with customers.

Being a technological and manufacturing superpower, Japan is responsible for 10% of global manufacturing. It also plays a huge role in the advancement of technology by being a large developer of innovative electronic products.

What’s more, Japanese businesses have recently embraced 3D printing as it is an ever-growing market. According to data from IDC, it saw more than 104 percent in revenue growth from 2015 to 2016. It is expected to reach US$670 million in sales by 2020.

Richard Bailey, president of Asia Pacific and Japan at HP stated, “We are on the cusp of a transformation in manufacturing, enabled by new technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robotics,” he followed on by saying “We are excited to introduce HP’s commercial 3D printing solution to reinvent manufacturing in Asia-Pacific, delivering much higher speeds and lower costs while enabling on-demand, low-volume production.”

Bailey declared, “HP is building a strong community of local resellers and materials partners as well as customer experience centers that will provide comprehensive support to help our customers leverage this transformation.”