Canon celebrates 15 years in the Philippines

New products, technologies and milestones mark anniversary

This year, digital imaging leader Canon marks its 15th anniversary in the Philippines.  

From a subsidiary with less than a quarter of a billion year-end revenue in 1996, Canon Marketing (Philippines) is now a multi-billion peso company. This is largely due to Canon Marketing (Philippines)’s steady and consistent double-digit growth since 1997 until 2010.

Since 2004, Canon has been an Environmental Management System (EMS)-certified company which is a resounding testament to the company’s operational excellence. 

With an almost 500-strong employee workforce powering the company’s local operations, Canon Marketing (Philippines) serves a prestigious clientele ranging from tech-savvy customers to multi-million dollar companies and small to medium entrepreneurs. 

Today, Canon Marketing (Philippines) is in six major regions in the country and is continuously expanding its network. More than 300 authorized service centers carry Canon’s wide range of globally recognized cameras, camcorders and printers and its service coverage spans all areas of the country.

Canon Marketing (Philippines)’s growth and expansion is leveraged by the strength and stability of Canon worldwide. On an international scale, Canon is a Financial Times and a Fortune 500 company. As of 2011, it is among the top 25 companies with strongest reputation in the world, according to the Global Corporate Reputation Index and ranks among the top five companies with U.S. Patents. 

True to its Japanese heritage, Canon is guided by the kyosei philosophy which focuses on “living and working together for the common good.” This is reflected in the slogan “Delighting You Always” which is used in South and Southeast Asia. More than just a marketing slogan, the phrase is a constant reminder of Canon’s enduring commitment to customers worldwide—provide extraordinary experience to every customer at every opportunity.

Advent of wireless technology in cameras and camcorders

In response to a widespread culture of wireless interconnectivity, Canon has unveiled its series of WiFi-enabled digital cameras and camcorders. 

The IXUS series welcomes the addition of the Digital IXUS 510 HS and the IXUS 240 HS which allow users to transfer images and videos directly from camera to any portable Android- and iOS-run device. The IXUS 510 HS also pays homage to the very first digital IXUS launched in 2000 which features the world-renowned golden ratio (1:1:618).

Meanwhile, the PowerShot range introduces seven new models into its line-up: the traveller-friendly PowerShot SX260 HS and the Powershot SX240 HS ideal for taking long-range zoom shots of distant subjects; and the entry-level PowerShot A series featuring super slim, 16.1 megapixel compact cameras: PowerShot A4000 IS, PowerShot A3400 IS, PowerShot A2400 IS, PowerShot A2300 and PowerShot A810.

The new batch of VIXIA camcorders also features WiFi capability in addition to improved video recording technology for clearer and sharper video quality. With the exception of the VIXIA HF R300 AVCHD, all new models in the VIXIA series—VIXIA HF R30 and the VIXIA HF M50 AVCHD--feature wireless connectivity functions. 

For small and medium enterprise (SME) customers, Canon has launches a series of business-oriented printers specially designed to address the unique needs of budding enterprises. The new imageCLASS MF3010 packs the best in-class features while the imageCLASS MF5980dw is designed for improved workflow productivity.

Canon also releases new imageCLASS multi-function printers (MFP) for home offices and small businesses—the MF4420w, the most-affordable wireless MFP in the Canon laser MFP line-up, the mono MFP-with-fax MF4570dw and MF4580dw, and the color MFPs, MF8010Cn, MF8080Cw and MF8380Cdw.

For more specific business requirements such as advanced document management solutions, Canon offers the new imageCLASS LBP7680Cx while the imageCLASS LBP7018C offers powerful, compact and cost-efficient printing technology.

Finally, PIXMA has announced seven new inkjet printers: the all-in-one photo printers MG3170 and MG6270 and the all-in-one printers with fax MX897, MX437, MX377 and MX517. This is in addition to the PIXMA Ink Efficient E600, a home office, all-in-one version of the popular PIXMA Ink Efficient E500 all-in-one photo printer, with added faxing capabilities. 

The new PIXMA MX897, MX517 and MX437 printers include a number of connectivity options which offer users greater printing flexibility.  These models are equipped with a WiFi feature that allows users to print photos and documents wirelessly using smartphones and tablets. 

Landmark achievements

The year 2012 proves to be a truly fitting year for celebration as Canon’s market dominance has been affirmed by various organizations.

The International Data Corporation (IDC) announced Canon PIXMA printers as the number one total inkjet printer brand for 2011 based on unit sales.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) also recognized Canon Marketing (Philippines) by giving an Award of Merit for both its Canon GreenNation environmental campaign and annual Canon Photomarathon event.

Meanwhile, international and independent research firm GfK Research and Technology gave Canon its first certification as number one camcorder brand for 2011 based on its majority market share. This citation is a milestone for Canon which has also been the consistent top brand for compact digital cameras since 2007.

Finally, the latest run of the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Awards ended with Canon bagging six honors, namely Best DSLR Professional for Canon EOS-1D; Best Expert Compact Camera for Canon PowerShot G1 X; Best Professional DSLR Lens for Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM fisheye; Best Multi-function Photo Printer for Canon PIXMA MG8250; Best Video DSLR for Canon EOS 5D Mark III and finally, Best Professional Video Camera for Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera.

TIPA is Europe’s leading photo imaging and press association composed of editors from leading photography titles worldwide. 

As part of the measure of its growth as a company and as a responsible corporate citizen, Canon Marketing (Philippines) also invests heavily in corporate social responsibility projects that put the power of technology to socially relevant causes. 

Through Canon Project Rebuild, the company has partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross to provide aid to disaster-stricken communities. Canon through its Canon Advocacy team (Canon A Team) also supports organizations for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and underprivileged kids through events like Reach for the Sky held last March of this year. Reach for the Sky gave families of more than 30 children with disabilities a unique opportunity to experience ultra-light aircrafts. This is in addition to Canon’s partnerships with social welfare groups such as Operation Smile, Black Pencil Project and Ms. Earth Foundation, among others.

More delightful years ahead

“We, at Canon Philippines, are proud of how we have grown,” Alan Chng, President & CEO said. “While we have greatly benefitted from our strong global brand heritage, our accomplishments in the past 15 years have also demonstrated the unique strengths and the commitment of the local office. Moving forward, we look forward to more delightful years ahead, sharing the best of digital technology to Filipinos.”