Strategy Sessions: Fujifilm

Strengthening Fujifilm’s North American Presence by Leveraging Synergies

Fujifilm North America Corporation was formed on January 1, 2010 by merging Fujifilm USA, Inc., and Fujifilm Graphic Systems USA. The merger will bring together five operating divisions: photo-imaging products and services; consumer digital cameras; motion picture films; graphics systems products and services; and, effective April 1, 2010, the Canada division.

I spoke with Ray Hosoda, the newly appointed president and CEO, as well as with Manny Almeida, vice president and general manager of the Imaging and Electronic Imaging divisions, and John Meyer, vice president, Marketing/Equipment for the Imaging division, about what this means for the company, the commercial pro labs and the photo specialty network.

JG: Ray, what does this merger mean for Fujifilm?

RH: Fujifilm products and services are increasingly being leveraged across categories and regions. This merger will allow us to be a stronger solutions provider by tapping into a common product portfolio and diverse workforce.
A big advantage is the skills our people can bring to our customers, regardless of where they are—or if they are a printer, commercial lab or a retailer. We have many talented people with diverse technical and marketing skills, working in each of our businesses. A good example of this is John Meyer, who came from the graphics business to the photo business six years ago.

I want to point out that our new company is not being established to reduce our staff size. Our purpose is to strengthen our presence and to take advantage of the synergies that makes us effectively and efficiently serve our customers. However, we will continue to look at the most cost-effective way to run our business.

So, how does this merger affect the global company ?

RH: It doesn’t affect the global organization; in fact, the move is reflective of a global shift throughout the world. The company recently stated that during this fiscal year, Fujifilm would be aligned by region in Europe, North America, China and Asia. When we faced the tough economy in the last couple of years, we saw it as an opportunity for change. We are going to integrate more in the United States to create more synergies. We saw the North American region as being more effective if we took down the walls and became more closely aligned.

John, can you explain what the product grouping for the graphics systems division is and how those products will be brought into the fold?

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