Epson bets big on India with local manufacturing, sustainability & digital-first solutions: Exec

For Japanese technology giant Epson, India is no longer just a promising growth market — it has become central to the company’s global strategy. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% over the last decade, Epson India has consistently outpaced many of its global peers, driven by rising digital adoption, a youthful population, and a thriving small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.

“India stands out not only for its rapid growth, but also for its openness to innovation and new technologies,” Satyajeet Satpathy, Director – Sales & Marketing, Epson India, told TechCircle. Demand for the company’s flagship EcoTank printers has surged as home users, students, and small businesses increasingly seek cost-effective, sustainable printing solutions. The country’s focus on sustainability, coupled with the government’s Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, has also positioned Epson to expand beyond its traditional stronghold of printing into areas like robotics and textile printing, he said.

According to Satpathy, a major milestone in this journey is the company’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Chennai, which is scheduled to begin production of EcoTank printers in October. “This is the first ink tank printer manufacturing setup in India, reflecting our deep commitment to the market,” he said. By localising production, Epson expects to strengthen its supply chain, reduce lead times, and respond to customer demand with greater agility. Having already sold over 8 million EcoTank printers in India — including 1 million units last year alone — Epson holds a commanding 44% share in the domestic inkjet market.

Over the next 3-5 years, Epson plans to significantly scale up operations at the Chennai plant while evaluating opportunities to manufacture other product categories locally. The company is also setting up solution centres in Bengaluru, Delhi and other cities to showcase new technologies in textile printing, visual displays, robotics, and commercial & industrial printing.

Sustainability sits at the heart of these ambitions. Satpathy informed that Epson has committed globally to becoming carbon negative by 2050. In India, this means leveraging the new facility to cut logistics-related emissions and expanding eco-friendly solutions like EcoTank printers and digital textile printers. The latter, in particular, has the potential to transform India’s massive textile and fashion industry, reducing water and chemical use by up to 90% compared to conventional methods.

“We are also banking on India’s young, digital-first consumers. Its printers are now fully integrated with smart devices and cloud platforms, while its visual display solutions support hybrid learning and collaborative work environments. On the entertainment side, Epson home projectors are bringing cinematic experiences into living rooms — an area the company sees strong demand for as families seek richer at-home experiences,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Epson India has set clear priorities. The company is expanding core categories, deepening presence in high-growth segments like industrial automation and digital textiles, and driving sustainable innovation. With FY24 revenue at ₹2,574 crore and leadership positions across printers, projectors, and SCARA robots, the company believes India can play a pivotal role in its global growth roadmap.

“Our strategy rests firmly on sustainable solutions — whether through energy-efficient technologies, circular economy practices, or building a stronger local ecosystem,” Satpathy said, adding that “India will be a cornerstone as we align long-term business growth with environmental responsibility.”