Epson seeks to increase market share through inkjet technology and reducing print costs

Since establishing its East African operations in 2011, Epson has seen a number of product successes, most notably with its Ink Tank System (ITS) printer range – a series of inkjet printers that eliminate the need for cartridges and reduce printing costs by up to 90%.

“Kenyan consumers have proven to be very savvy and ready to try solutions that help put money back in their pockets, and this has played a huge role in the success of our ITS range,” says Mukesh Bector, regional sales manager, Epson East Africa.

In East Africa, Epson ITS sales increased in the first quarter of 2016 by more than eight times the number in the first quarter of 2014, and in the same two year period, sales of the ITS in Kenya increased by an outstanding 268%. Epson’s ITS printers achieved cumulative global sales last year of 15 million units since launching.

According to Deloitte Kenya Economic Outlook 2016 report, Kenyan SMEs face a number of challenges including insufficient capital, limited market access, poor infrastructure, inadequate knowledge and skills, and rapid changes in technology.

To help SMEs address these challenges and following its commitment to innovation, Epson, approximates $1.3 million daily spend on R&D. Tghis has helped the firm respond to these market conditions and developed solutions that ideally suit the business needs of the East Africa region.

“As part of its drive for sustainability, Epson has outlined its Environmental Vision 2050, targeting a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions across the life cycle of all its products and services by 2050. Epson has already taken big strides towards reducing environmental impact across its products and manufacturing processes,” added Mukesh.