Olympus Corp.

History

YearDetail
1919 Olympus Corp. was established as Takachiho Seisakusho to manufacture microscopes in Japan.
1920 Takachiho Seisakusho launched the Asahi microscope.
1921 The company has a registered trademark as Olympus.
1930 Olympus launched MC industrial microscope.
1936 Introduced Olympus’ first camera, the Semi-Olympus I (entry into the camera business).
1936 The company has launched the Semi-Olympus I camera.
1949 The name changed to Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.  , and Company is listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE).
1950 Development of world’s first practical gastrocamera called GI Endoscopy.
1964 The company has established Olympus Europe.
1966 Launched GI EndoTherapy Olympus’ first biopsy scope and endotherapy devices (biopsy forceps and cytology brushes).
1968 Established Olympus Corporation of America.
1968 The company has launched BF-5B, 4B and 3A broncho-fiberscope.
1969 Development of ZUIKO PEARLCORDER microcassette tape recorder.
1970 Development of the ACA automatic biochemical analysis system.
1972 Launch of KF nephrofiberscope and development of CYS-K1 rigid cystoscope.
1975 Began selling of laparoscopes from the W&I.
1979 Established U.S. location in California (currently world’s largest endoscope service center).
1989  Established Beijing residential office and corporation in Singapore.
1992 Launch of four models of two types of binoculars.
2001 Commenced collaboration with Terumo Corporation.
2004 ITX became consolidated into Olympus and Developed and marketed special needle and endoscopes for performing endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).
2008 Established first training center in China (Shanghai)  and Acquired Gyrus Group PLC to strengthen the surgical area of the Medical Business.
2011 Deferred recording of past losses discovered.
2012 Appointed new management team  Formed business and capital alliance with Sony Corporation  Transferred Information & Communication Business.
2013 Security on Alert Designation placed on Company stock by TSE removed.
2016 Increased production capacity (completed construction of new buildings) at medical endoscope development and production sites (Aizu, Shirakawa, and Aomori).
2018 Announced our corporate philosophy, consisting of Our Purpose and Our Core Values.
2019 Announced corporate transformation plan, Transform Olympus and corporate strategy.
2021 Transferred Imaging Business  Acquired Quest Photonic Devices B.V. in the Netherlands and Medi-Tate Ltd. in Israel.
2022 Acquired Odin Medical Ltd. in the U.K.
2023 Transferred Scientific Solutions Business Announced company strategy.
2024 Transferred Orthopedic Business Refreshed Our Core Values.