On the occasion of CK’s 80th anniversary, Ugur Bozat, Senior International Business Development Manager Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta, looks back on an emblematic partnership built over nearly 50 years.
Between heritage, innovation, and digital transformation, he sheds light on the profound evolution of office technologies and their uses.
A forward-looking perspective, where human connection remains at the heart of lasting success.
Can you tell us how the collaboration between Konica Minolta and CK began 50 years ago? Do you have any memories, documents, or photos from that memorable year of 1976?
The story of this partnership began at the Hannover Messe in 1977 (Officially, the contract began in 1976), at a time when information technology and office automation were reshaping the future of business.
It was there that Charles Kieffer, founder of C.K. S.A., reconnected with long-standing acquaintances from other industries: Mr. Bartels, former Director of Pelikan, and Mr. Kutani from Minolta’s camera division. Together with Josy Frisch, then a young sales representative, the four met over dinner — a moment that would quietly mark the beginning of something remarkable.
Guided by shared values, entrepreneurial energy, and a clear vision for innovation, conversations soon evolved into concrete discussions around the representation of Minolta copiers in Luxembourg.
What began around a single table nearly 50 years ago has since grown into a trusted and enduring partnership with Konica Minolta.
Over the decades, this partnership has weathered numerous market changes, technological transformations, and even exceptional periods such as the COVID crisis. At every stage, the teams at CK and Konica Minolta have worked closely together to ensure service continuity and maintain customer satisfaction. This ability to move forward together in all circumstances is rooted in what has defined this partnership for 50 years: trust, proximity, reliability, and strong human relationships.
In your opinion, what has enabled this partnership to last and strengthen over the decades?
While I cannot speak for the earliest years, one truth remains constant: the continuous transformation of the office technology landscape has only strengthened the bond between CK and Konica Minolta.
Over time, CK has evolved far beyond the role of distributor. Through a consistent drive for excellence and innovation, the company has actively contributed to product development — testing prototypes, sharing field insights, and translating customer needs into meaningful feedback.
This close collaboration has ensured that solutions evolve in step with real market expectations and the changing dynamics of modern workplaces.
At the heart of this long-standing success lies a shared mindset: long-term vision, trust without compromise, responsiveness, and the ability to evolve together.
Technology has shaped the journey — but it is the human connection that has sustained it. Direct exchanges, transparency, and the speed of joint decision-making have built something that goes beyond business: a genuine partnership.
It is no coincidence that CK has become the number one in office printing solutions in Luxembourg.
How would you describe the evolution of printing and office technologies in recent years? What has been the biggest revolution over the past 50 years?
Over the past decades, the printing and office technology industry has undergone a profound transformation — driven by one defining shift: the move from analog to digital.
What once relied on mechanical processes has gradually evolved into fully connected, intelligent ecosystems. Traditional offset technologies gave way to laser and inkjet innovations, unlocking new levels of speed, flexibility, and precision.
The most decisive revolution of the past 50 years has been exactly this: the digital transition. It has fundamentally redefined printing — no longer a standalone function, but an integrated component of modern communication and information flow.
A key milestone in this journey was the emergence of multifunction devices, uniting printing, scanning, copying, and connectivity within a single intelligent platform. This innovation transformed office workflows at their core.
More recently, automation and artificial intelligence have accelerated this evolution further — simplifying complexity, enhancing productivity, and enabling smarter business processes. At the same time, the industry has shifted from product delivery to service-driven ecosystems and managed workflow solutions.
Sustainability has also become central — shaping design, engineering, and usage. Energy efficiency, responsible materials, and reduced environmental impact are now embedded expectations, not optional features.
Looking ahead, the future will be defined by cloud-native environments, hyper-personalized experiences, and seamless, intelligent document ecosystems that quietly power the workplace of tomorrow.
How does Konica Minolta integrate sustainability and responsibility into its products?
Sustainability is not a separate pillar for Konica Minolta — it is fully embedded in its strategy, innovation, and product lifecycle philosophy.
At the core of this commitment is the “Zero CO₂” ambition, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain — from production and logistics to product usage and end-of-life recycling.
This vision is translated into concrete action: energy-efficient technologies, increased use of recycled materials, extended product lifecycles, and designs that facilitate reuse and recycling.
Beyond hardware, Konica Minolta actively supports its customers in their own sustainability journey — through digital transformation, intelligent document workflows, and reduced reliance on paper-based processes.
Performance and responsibility are not seen as opposites, but as a single direction: creating technology that performs better while impacting less.
What would you like to say to CK on its 80th anniversary?
On the occasion of this exceptional 80th anniversary, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to CK.
Reaching this milestone is far more than a measure of time — it reflects vision, resilience, and continuity, but above all, the strength of relationships built across generations.
CK has consistently embodied a rare balance of entrepreneurial spirit and long-term commitment, evolving through technological change while remaining deeply close to its customers.
We are proud of this long-standing partnership and deeply value the trust that has shaped it over the decades.
Looking ahead, we are confident that this journey will continue to evolve — driven by innovation, proximity, and the same human connection that has defined it for 80 years.