Olympus Corp.

History

Year	Detail
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.