RK PrintCoat celebrates 50 years

Back in the pre-digital world of the 1970’s before emails, Facebook or Instagram, RK PrintCoat Instruments was spotted for a news article in the Times by the founders of Matsuo Sangyo, Japan. Interested in the piece on RK’s K Hand Coater equipment, Matsuo Sangyo made contact by handwritten letter. That basic initial contact has formed a valuable relationship between the two companies, and this year sees 50 years’ of collaboration promoting RK PrintCoat Instruments in Japan. Founded in the early 1960’s RK Print now has over 60 years’ experience in the surface coating industry. Designed and manufactured in the UK, RK equipment has one common theme, the production of repeatable samples; to be used for the purposes of research and development, quality control. Speaking of their relationship, current CEO Naoki Matsuo of Matsuo Sangyo said “Matsuo Sangyo Co., Ltd is a Japanese trading company founded in 1938. In 1970, my grandfather, who is the second founder of Matsuo Sangyo, was trying to expand its business internationally. Then he found a newspaper article saying about RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd. For the past 50 years, there has been various changes in printing methods and applications for printing test equipment. RK Print Coat Instruments and Matsuo Sangyo have built a firm relationship through our daily operations. This year, which is the 50th anniversary of our business, I took over the position as the 4th president from my father. Based on mutual respect from the past, we will expand sales field to new industries according to the world’s drastic changes. I would like to contribute to the further prosperity for both companies.”