Although the Fujifilm brand has been active in Australia since 1954, when entrepreneur Jack Hannes of Hanimex fame, secured the agency, Fujifilm Australia, as a direct subsidiary of Fujifilm Group Japan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Ryuichi Matoba, CEO of Fujifilm Australia addresses guests at the Sydney Opera House celebration
Introduction by Andy McCourt
Fujifilm, in both Photographic and Graphic Arts markets, has been a prominent name in Australia and New Zealand's imaging markets for 60 years. For many of those years, graphic arts (plates, films, CtP) was handled through specialist distributors such as Collie Cooke, CPI, Sicpa and Graphic Systems Australia (GSA), while all photographic and radiography materials were sold through Hanimex - very successfully and presenting Kodak, Konica and Agfa with a strong competitor in photosensitised materials.
Indeed, since buying Hanimex and assimilating GSA in 2004, for many years Fujifilm operated out of the former Hanimex premises at 108 Old Pitwater Rd., Brookvale. This was once a powerhouse of global brands, Australian innovation, manufacturing and converting as the brilliant Jack Hannes and his team took on the world of imaging as far away as Canada, the UK, Hong Kong. Its agencies once included Fujifilm, Durst, Nikon, Practika and its own Hanimex branded products.
The 2004 esablishment of a direct Fujifilm operation was a logical step as other competitors wilted in the face of digitalisation, while Fujifilm continued to innovate and diversify. A joint venture with Xerox - Fuji Xerox - was dissolved around 2019 following a thwarted attempt by Fujifilm to buy Xerox in its entirety and Fujifilm Business Innovation was born in 2021, catering for commercial digital print and systems. Today, Fujifilm stands out as a leading supplier of consumer and professional photographic technologies, commercial digital printing machines, wide format signage and display systems and medical imaging, with 20 years in Australia under its own name, 70 years as a brand in Australian/NZ imaging and 90 years since its foundation in Japan. - Andy McCourt
A 20-year plus ongoing journey
“We are incredibly proud of our journey over the past 20 years,” says Ryuichi Matoba, CEO of Fujifilm Australia. “This milestone 
Fujifilm global CEO Teiichi Goto (R) came to Australia for the celebrations. Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Industry, Science and Technology unveiled a plaque
reflects our dedication to innovation and commitment to serving our customers and communities. As we look to the future, we remain focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Australian market.”
Fujifilm Australia has evolved over the past 20 years to become a comprehensive provider of digital imaging solutions as well as printing and medical technology. Fujifilm Australia (previously known as Hanimex Pty Ltd) distributed Fujifilm products in Australia, prior to being purchased by the Fujifilm Group in 2004. The rich history of Fujifilm products in Australia goes back more than 70 years.
Key milestones
- Healthcare Innovations: Fujifilm has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in Australia, providing advanced medical imaging solutions that enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient care. Most recently the first Fujifilm Open MRI Machine was installed in Sydney. The new AI-powered Amulet Sophinity mammography system was also recently launched in Australia, the first system installed outside Japan.
- Digital Transformation: In the early 2000s, Fujifilm embraced digital technology, launching innovative products that set new standards in imaging quality. These included cutting-edge digital cameras and printing solutions, which have since become favourites among professional and amateur photographers alike. Most recently, the team launched the popular Fujifilm X-M5 and GFX100S II, focusing on content creators and professional photographers.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Recognising the importance of environmental responsibility, Fujifilm Australia has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting recycling. For example, Instax products use entirely recycled paper in their packaging, and Fujifilm's factory in Melbourne draws all of its water from the roof. The local team has also dedicated time to waste collection, and has collected 961kg of waste around our offices so far in 2024.
2024 is the 90th anniversary of Fujifilm globally, and to mark this occasion the company unveiled a new group purpose – 'Giving Our World More Smiles.' Fujifilm Australia is ranked in the top 10 medium businesses in The Australian’s Best Places to Work rankings.
Fujifilm Australia extends its heartfelt gratitude to its customers, partners, and employees for their unwavering support over the past two decades. Together, we look forward to the next chapter of innovation and excellence.
