KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13  (Bernama) -- Konica Minolta Inc Japan is targeting global sales of 10 billion yen annually for its new high-performance window film, Konica Minolta Ice, said its General Manager, WF Division, Shigeki Suzuki.

The new product is touted as the best in its class using the fifth generation window film (multi-nano layer dielectric reflective film) with advanced features, to cater for customers in the automotive and building industries.
"While our main business is photocopy machines, we have global operations in the areas of medicine, measurement and optical products with annual sales around 800 billion yen and employs 50,000 workers worldwide.

"The Malaysia branch is expected to contribute 10 per cent of the sales target," he said at a press conference after the opening of Jasa Sarjana Sdn Bhd's store by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

Jasa Sarjana has been appointed as the sole distributor for Malaysia. The centre in Shah Alam is also the first store in Southeast Asia.

Jasa Sarjana Chief Executive Officer David T.W. Lee said the company expected to open 15 outlets by next year and was looking for interested entrepreneurs to tap into the franchise business opportunity.

"We believe the business opportunities will draw car, home or commercial property owners who appreciate the value-added features of Konica Minolta Ice," he said.

Konica Minolta Ice made its entry into the market last year when it was launched in China, being its largest market. The product is currently available in Asean countries, Middle East, Africa and Japan.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said for Konica Minolta to make Malaysia as the launch pad for its innovative new product into the Southeast Asian region spoke volumes of its confidence in the country's market potential.

"Malaysia welcomes the enhanced business expansion plans of Konica Minolta to the country as new ventures and new investments will drive the economy as more opportunities present themselves," he said.

He added that there was potential for upward trend in car sales and construction of low-energy buildings in Malaysia and globally that Konica Minolta could capitalise on.

The price of Konica Minolta Ice for vehicles in Malaysia ranges from RM1,600 to RM3,800 while building specifications will require a tailor-made cost assessment.
-- BERNAMA