Hitachi Koki Names Kusada Executive Vice President; Former Minolta Executive Joins Worldwide Printer Company.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 1999--

Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions Inc. (HiKIS) Friday announced that Al Kusada will become executive vice president of Business Development beginning Nov. 15.

Kusada previously served as executive vice president/general manager of Minolta Corp.'s Business Equipment Division (BED) from 1983 to 1992. He joins Hitachi Koki at a critical time in its history as the company accelerates its Total Document Solutions strategy.

By joining HiKIS, Kusada will be reunited with Michael T. Stramaglio, president and chief operating officer of Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions. Under Kusada's and Stramaglio's direction during the 1980s and 90s, Minolta Corp. became a market leader in the U.S. copier industry. "I am delighted to once again be working with my long-time mentor, Al Kusada," said Stramaglio.

"Over the years, I have come to respect Al for his courage, dedication and wisdom. I am confident that he will make an immediate, positive impact on Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions."

Backed by years of experience, Kusada has made a significant impact in the business equipment industry as a competitive and knowledgeable leader. Kusada's expansive and explosive career began with Minolta's Camera Sales Division in Tokyo, where he helped establish their first sales organization to market photocopiers and other office products in the United States.

From 1973 to 1979, he directed Minolta's Osaka-based International Sales Division, pioneering the development of the plain paper copier, EP 510, and the compact copier, EP 310, which IBM later marketed in the United States.

Within two years, he transformed the division from a money-losing operation, to a profitable unit with $35 million in sales in 1975, becoming one of Minolta's largest and most profitable product divisions.

Returning to the United States in 1980, Kusada began repositioning Minolta Business Systems (MBS), a direct sales subsidiary, reporting multi-million dollar annual deficits at the time. Under his leadership, the subsidiary became Minolta's most profitable business unit in North America, reporting a $62 million dollar sales increase.

He later accepted responsibility for the Business Equipment Division of Minolta Corp. (U.S.A.), and over a five-year period, his leadership spurred a 130% increase in annual sales revenues.

During the early 1990s, he guided Minolta BED through the challenging transition from analog to digital technology and the printer-driven convergence of such functions as photocopying, facsimile and computer networking.

In 1993, Kusada joined medical equipment manufacturer, Konan Inc., creating its American subsidiary, Konan Medical Corp., as well a sales network that currently includes four distributors, 34 dealers, 28 manufacturer's representatives and four distributors in Canada.

Business equipment manufacturers and resellers call on Kusada continually for his expertise and advice. Over the years, he has been widely quoted in industry publications such as Business Technology Solutions (formerly NOMDA Spokesman), Office Products Dealer, Office Technology Management, Modern Office Technology and The Office.

His articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He is also quoted extensively in John Hillkirk's landmark book, "Xerox: American Samurai."

His achievements have been recognized by the Business Journal of New Jersey, honoring him with their Watch `88 Award, as well as naming him Office Products Industry Executive of the Year in 1987.

About Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions

Founded in 1962, Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions Inc. (HiKIS) is recognized worldwide for its innovative printing solutions. HiKIS is a subsidiary of Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd., one of the world's most advanced print engine manufacturers, and part of the $64 billion Hitachi Group of companies.

The HiKIS/Hitachi Koki team combines world-class print engines, print controllers, software technology and imaging supplies to make it a global leader in the development of the world's best printing solutions. For more information, visit Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions' Web site at www.hitachi-hkis.com.

Hitachi, Ltd., with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1998 (ended March 31, 1999) consolidated sales of 7,977 billion yen ($65.9 billion(a)). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment.

For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., visit Hitachi's Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.

(a) At an exchange rate of 121 yen to the dollar.