Ricoh to acquire Anajet

Ricoh has reached an agreement to buy the US-based direct-to-garment specialist Anajet. This acquisition can be seen as the company's latest strategic investment to strengthen its industrial inkjet business.

15 Jan 2016 | By Rushikesh Aravkar

Established in 2006, Anajet is perhaps one of the early movers to mass produce direct-to-garment (DTG) printers. The majority of Anajet products available today leverage Ricoh's inkjet printheads.

“Ricoh has a long history of successful, strategic acquisitions that have helped our customers and partners around the world find new, effective ways to better serve their end users,” said Junichi Matsuno, general manager, Inkjet Business Division, Ricoh. “Anajet already possesses a proven reputation as a leader in DTG printing and as such, it is a great complement to Ricoh’s broad portfolio.”

Karl Tipre, CEO of Anajet, said, “Today we are very pleased to announce that this acquisition will provide our expanding customer base with the services of yet another global leader in Ricoh. We are extremely excited for what lies ahead for the Anajet brand and our customers.”

In India, Anajet is represented by Mumbai-based Sunstar Graphics since 2014. Speaking to PrintWeek India, Ajit Lalvani, managing director of Sunstar Graphics, said, “Sunstar will continue to distribute Anajet direct-to-garment printers in India and the Ricoh experience and reach will add value.”

Sunstar has also established a demo centre in Mumbai to showcase direct-to-garment printing technologies. According to Lalvani, the number of Anajets installed has crossed 100 mark and the numbers are growing rapidly.  

Anajet will continue to operate under its current name, management team and capabilities, which currently include more than 50 employees and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.