Since
1936
Company History
Starting out entering the business machines field
1936 - 1969
1970 - 1984
1985 - 1999
2000 - 2009
2010 - Present
Mar. 1950
Launches the 6x6 format TLR Ricohflex Model III,
which spurred the popularization of cameras in Japan
Ricoh was the first company in Japan to introduce a belt-conveyor system for manufacturing cameras,
achieving a production capacity of 10,000 units/month
more than ten times the capacity of the then standard level of less than 1,000 units/month from the conventional handicraft industry. Successfully adopting this method of camera mass production, Ricoh offered the
Ricohflex Model III at an affordable price, which was remarkably low for an iconic luxury item in those days.
This model became highly popular among Japanese consumers, reportedly representing more than 50% of total national camera production during its sales peak.
Ricohflex Model III (1950)
In 1953, Ricoh became Japan's first manufacturer to introduce a belt-conveyor production system. For its successful establishment of the mass production system, Ricoh was recognized by the Okochi Memorial Foundation with a production award
Company History
http://www.ricoh.com/about/company/history/
Ricoh was awarded the Okochi
Memorial Production Prize for the successful establishment of a mass production system (1957)
