Canon 2002 Annual Report Download - page 8

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6
Advancing Business Solutions Capabilities
Canon offers an array of systems solutions, or systems utilizing Canon products with customized
software functions, and we are also making inroads into the field of hardware solutions, created by
designing products according to precise specifications requested by clients.
We have made positive steps in building strong business solutions capabilities. In Japan, Canon
System Solutions Inc. (formerly Sumitomo Metal System Solutions Co., Ltd.) joined the Canon Sales
Group to provide systems integration consulting and services, network system integration services,
and specialized software development.
In the area of hardware solutions, we won a large-scale order to provide color copying machine
systems with distinctive specifications to one of Japan´s largest convenience store networks, while in
the United States we are delivering Bubble Jet printers with specialized print
heads under an ongoing large-scale order from a major corporation. Backed by
our technological expertise and flexible production organization, we intend to
further expand the range of our hardware solutions offerings.
Boosting Our Presence in Asia
The Asian region outside of Japan, particularly the People´s Republic of China,
presents immense business potential for the Canon Group and is central to
our global business and organizational planning. In 2002, we stepped up our
integration of product development, production, marketing, sales and services for
this region under Canon (China) Co., Ltd., which is also building the infrastructure
necessary for a resilient marketing, sales, logistics and service network in China.
As the Chinese market continues to grow, we will direct local marketing efforts to
raising awareness of the Canon brand and taking the lead in such markets as
digital cameras, laser beam printers, ink-jet printers and copying machines.
In regional production, Canon (Suzhou) Inc. in China and Canon Vietnam
Co., Ltd., began full-scale operations during the year. Canon (Suzhou) is set to
become our principal site for producing imageRUNNER (iR)-series digital MFDs, while Canon Vietnam
primarily manufactures Bubble Jet printers for sale around the world.
Today’s Investment Ensures Tomorrow’s Prosperity
By reducing our dependency on debt, we have freed sufficient capital to invest in new technology development
without relying on debt financing. As a technology-intensive
company, new advances are vital if we are to maintain the
leading edge in highly competitive markets. Following is a
sampling of the major projects under way in the Canon Group.
Adding Device Value
Developing key components and devices in-house is a
primary strategy under Phase II of the Excellent Global
Corporation Plan, and a wide variety of projects are being
undertaken in every area of our business. Several new
high-
value-added devices we developed in 2002 have been
Fujio Mitarai announces Canon’s China
strategy at the Canon Expo 2002 in
Beijing.
Canon (Suzhou) commenced full-scale production of
color digital MFDs in 2002.