MANILA, Philippines (Jun 2025) – Japanese technology giant Epson marked its 50th anniversary this month, celebrating five decades of innovation that began with a compact digital printer and evolved into a global empire spanning printing, projection, and robotics technology.
The milestone comes as Epson Philippines reflects on the company’s journey from its 1975 founding to becoming a household name across 170 countries, with over 100 million ink tank printers sold worldwide.
Epson’s story traces back to 1968 when the company launched the EP-101 digital electronic printer. The breakthrough device was compact and lightweight for its time, setting the foundation for what would become the Epson brand seven years later.
The company chose its name to honor the electronic printer while signaling its ambition to create valuable derivatives, according to a press release obtained by our editors. EP represented “electronic printer” while “SON” suggested the many innovations to follow.
“Over the past decades, Epson has pursued innovation with purpose, creating efficient, compact and precise technologies that drive progress while reducing environmental impact,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation.
The anniversary highlights Epson’s evolution from printer manufacturer to diversified technology leader. Key milestones include pioneering Micro Piezo technology in home printers like the MJ-500 and MJ-700V2C, and developing PrecisionCore printheads that now power commercial and industrial printing solutions globally.
Epson’s expansion into projectors leveraged liquid crystal technology originally developed for LCD watches. The company achieved a major breakthrough with the EB-L25000U, which became the world’s brightest 3LCD laser projector, cementing its leadership in the global projection market.
The robotics division represents another success story. Epson maintains the world’s top market share in industrial SCARA robot sales revenue, combining proprietary force sensors with camera-based image recognition technology to enable delicate, human-like precision work.
International expansion began in 1968 with watch case manufacturing in Singapore. Today, major production sites operate in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, supporting diverse global markets with localized products.
The high-capacity ink tank printer revolution started in 2010, offering cost-effective alternatives to laser printers with low maintenance requirements. The innovation first launched in Indonesia before spreading worldwide.
Epson’s Philippine operations play a crucial role in the company’s Southeast Asian strategy, serving both local markets and supporting broader regional manufacturing needs.
As Epson enters its next half-century, the company emphasizes sustainable technology development and environmental responsibility while maintaining its founding principles of “Integrity and Effort” and “Creativity and Challenge.”
Consumers and businesses interested in Epson’s latest products can visit authorized retailers nationwide or explore the company’s full range of printing, projection, and automation solutions through official channels.
