It was 1973 when Canon established a joint venture in Melbourne that focused on the photocopier business. Following five years of growth, Canon Australia was established and relocated its headquarters to Sydney, where it began to manage all Canon products, expanding to imaging, which included cameras and printers.
The company later added Canon New Zealand and Canon Business Services to its operations, now known as Canon Oceania. The group employs 2,400 people across 22 locations.
Commenting on the 50th anniversary, Canon Oceania managing director, Kotaro Fukushima said: “As an organisation, we want to grow alongside our communities, when they thrive, we do too. Celebrating Canon’s 50 years in Oceania is the perfect backdrop against which to honour those who have shared in our journey.”
The company has a diverse community support program across the region. Key initiatives include the Canon Oceania Grants Program, now in its 17th year of giving back to schools, not-for-profits and community groups with monetary and product support, its Honours Scholarship established in 2003 to support and nurture the next generation of business leaders, and its partnership with OzHarvest (pictured) to raise funds and help feed people in need.
Canon Oceania will celebrate the 50-year milestone with various campaigns and activities during the year, with details still to be confirmed.
Beyond imaging with cameras and printers, Canon has roles in the medical care, industrial equipment, surveillance and commercial printing sectors, underscored by strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions.