Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the people of Shichuan who have been so profoundly affected by the terrible earthquake in the region. We pray for containment of the damage and also for the earliest recovery.

Ricoh will contribute 2 million Yuan to the relief efforts through the Chinese Red Cross Society of China. The money consists of 1 million Yuan from Ricoh Japan, with the balance coming from Ricoh Group in China.

Like most businesses, manufacturer Ricoh has for some time battled to negate a number of economical factors – the growing cost of fuel, utilities and borrowing. However it is the weakening of the Euro against the Pound which has had the greatest impact. After many months of absorbing the 14% decrease in value of the Pound, Ricoh now has no alternative but to pass the 9.5% price increase on to its dealers. The price increase has primarily hit spares and supplies. System One is undertaking counter measures and endeavours to delay and limit any price increase it has to pass on to its clients.