Komori Corporation, one of only two manufacturers of banknote printing presses globally, has achieved a significant milestone by securing an order for multiple banknote printing presses from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which oversees the production of U.S. dollar bills. This accomplishment marks the realization of a long-held ambition for the company, which has been at the forefront of developing advanced printing technologies for over six decades. Yoshiharu Komori, Chairman of Komori Corporation, shared insights into the challenges, history, and future of Komori’s security printing business.
### The Origins of Komori’s Security Printing Business
Komori’s journey into security printing began in 1958, when it collaborated with Japan’s National Printing Bureau to develop domestically produced machines for printing Japanese banknotes. Over the next 70 years, Komori delivered more than 200 offset presses, intaglio printing presses, and numbering presses to five factories. Today, around 50 of these machines remain in operation, including those used to print Japan’s new banknotes issued in 2024.
### Expanding into Global Markets
Yoshiharu Komori joined the company in 1962 and made it his mission to expand Komori’s security printing business internationally. A pivotal moment came in 1987, when Japan hosted the Central Banks Governors Meeting. Komori seized this opportunity by organizing seminars, factory tours, and live demonstrations to showcase its technology. This led to a surge in global interest, with the company receiving its first overseas order from Russia’s Ministry of Finance Printing Bureau for an intaglio press.
In 1988, Komori delivered its first overseas security printing press to South Korea’s Korea Minting, Security Printing and ID Card Operating Corporation. A major breakthrough followed in 1995, when Komori secured a contract with the Reserve Bank of India to build a new plant equipped with eight printing lines. This project was monumental, likened to constructing an entire town. In 1997, Nigeria’s President personally visited Japan to finalize an order for two lines, marking another significant milestone in Komori’s global expansion.
### Growth in Southeast Asia and Europe
Komori made concerted efforts to expand into Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Despite initial challenges and rejections, Komori’s persistence paid off. In Indonesia, the company delivered around 30 machines, while in the Philippines, securing an order for a printing line was a hard-won victory. Recently, Komori concluded a deal in Vietnam for two lines after over a decade of negotiations.
In Europe, Komori achieved a major breakthrough in 2011 by securing an order from De La Rue, the world’s largest commercial banknote printing company. This partnership laid the foundation for further expansion across Europe. In 2014, Komori received an order for two lines from the Bank of England, marking the first time all British pound banknotes were printed on Komori presses. Subsequent orders came from the Banque de France, leading to the printing of euro banknotes on Komori machines. Deliveries expanded to the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Malta, Italy, and Turkey, with Komori even penetrating the African market with an order from the Congo.
### A Historic Achievement: Printing U.S. Dollar Bills
For over 15 years, Komori pursued its dream of printing U.S. dollar banknotes by negotiating with the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Overcoming stringent requirements, Komori leveraged its experience and expertise gained from Asia and Europe to secure a significant order for multiple offset presses. This achievement represents a historic milestone for the company.
### Komori’s Global Impact
Komori has delivered over 200 presses to customers in 38 countries and regions, enabling the production of more than 100 types of banknotes, including the British pound and the euro. The company’s success lies in its ability to combine technological innovation with reliable after-sales service, earning the trust of its customers worldwide.
### The Future of Security Printing
Komori views the security printing business as a core pillar of its operations, with significant growth potential in regions like Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Beyond banknotes, the company anticipates rising demand for presses used in passport printing and other high-security applications. Komori’s expertise in advanced printing technologies has already been recognized by the National Printing Bureau of Japan and customers in Canada, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
The company is also developing digital printing technologies, which could revolutionize banknote printing by enabling unique images on each sheet. Additionally, Komori is applying security printing technologies to other fields, such as its Printed Electronics (PE) business, where fine-line microprinting techniques are used in gravure offset machines for substrate production.
### Delivering “Kando” to the World
Komori emphasizes delivering “Kando” — exceeding customer expectations — which has become a driving force behind its growth. By inspiring genuine satisfaction and trust, Komori has cultivated long-lasting relationships with its customers and partners.
### Conclusion
Komori’s journey in security printing spans over six decades, marked by technological innovation, global expansion, and a commitment to excellence. From its early days in Japan to its recent success in printing U.S. dollar bills, Komori has established itself as a trusted leader in the industry. With a focus on future advancements and applications, Komori aims to continue protecting the identities of nations, businesses, and individuals through its cutting-edge printing technologies. Chairman Yoshiharu Komori’s vision and dedication continue to inspire the company as it strives to deliver “Kando” to the world.
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