KM: Tatsuno resumes production; working on stable toner supply

08 November 2021

Digital

Toner production has now restarted at the Tatsuno Factory. Image: Google Maps

Konica Minolta has resumed toner production at its Tatsuno Factory and the business said it is continuing work on rebuilding a stable supply of toner.

In a statement published today (8 November), the manufacturer said that based on a risk assessment by external and in-house experts on safety measures at the factory, production was able to resume as planned today, with the new manufacturing process.

The explosion at the Japanese Tatsuno Factory on 12 August, which makes the Simitri toner used in KM's high-end colour devices, has resulted in a shortage of toner supply over the last few weeks. It followed a separate fire at the factory on 6 July.

The issues at Tatsuno also had knock-on effects at Konica Minolta’s Kofu facility, where toner production was also halted while an investigation was carried out.

The business had restarted toner production at the Kofu Factory on 18 October, and shipping began from this facility in late October.

“As Tatsuno Factory is back on track today, it will be starting shipment in sequence as soon as quality confirmation is completed,” the company said in its latest statement.

“Going forward, Konica Minolta continues rebuilding its capability for stable supply to the customers with all speed.”

It added: “In order to prevent toner from running out again, safe operation with the new production process is thoroughly implemented across the factories.

“From the perspective of business continuity plan (BCP), Konica Minolta will ensure a production system that does not rely solely on its own production and will raise inventory from the previous levels.”

Konica Minolta said it “takes the accidents seriously and will continue to strive to ensure the safety of the community”.

“At the same time, we would like to express our sincere apologies for the accidents, which caused concerns and inconvenience to our customers due to a shortage in the supply of toners. We also ask for understanding and support for our ongoing responses and actions.”

The 46,641sqm Tatsuno Factory was opened in 2007 and as of July employed 44 people.

Last week Konica Minolta reported a ¥6bn (£39.1m) order backlog at its Professional Print division because of the toner manufacturing hiatus. However, the group said the toner supply shortage was “expected to be resolved at an early stage” with priority being given to existing customers.