The 40s
21. June 1948 - Develop is founded by Dr. Walter Eisbein, Konrad Kral and Arno Lippinghoff.
The first production plant is an old factory hall in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The first microwave ovens appear in American households and the first TV program is broadcast in colour.
Dr. Eisbein develops a world-first - the “Blitz” copier Develop D 10.
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The 50s
The “economic miracle” (Wirtschaftswunder) gets underway in West Germany. 16 patents and 39 licences are issued for “Blitz” copiers, Develop is already marketing its products in 87 countries.
Germany wins the football World Cup and Rock’n’Roll takes control of the dance floors.
Develop produces the first advertising photographs for the “Blitz” copier and the Develop “Kombi”: “Two minutes for one copy.”
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The 60s
The Beatles are on the first five spaces of the U.S. top ten. Fuel injection for car engines is ready for the market and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first men to walk on the moon.
Electrostatics revolutionise copying technology. Develop is the only manufacturer to offer machines for every process: diffusion, electrostatics, dual-spectral and offset printing.
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The 70s
With its Series 33 “Volkskopierer”, Develop launches its first small automatic workplace copier and enters the U.S. market.
The first test-tube baby is born, the Concorde starts on regular flights on the transatlantic routes.
Develop develops the first device for use with standard paper, the Develop 66.1.
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The 80s
Develop develops the world’s smallest automatic copier – the Develop 10 – and receives six international awards for progressive design.
Prince Charles, the British heir to the throne and Lady Diana Spencer celebrate the wedding of the century.
Develop signs a partnership agreement with Minolta and from then on produces all small and medium-sized machines for the European market. The Develop100 is launched on the market, more than 100,000 copiers are produced.
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The 90s
Germany celebrates reunification.
Develop is fully integrated into the Minolta concern. Develop GmbH is established as a service and trading company with 120 employees.
The cloned sheep “Dolly” becomes the first genetically identical copy of a grown mammal.
Develop launches the first digital b/w copier on the market – the D3000iD – followed by the first digital colour device a year later. The DFC 100 is launched.
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Today
Develop relocates its headquarters from Gerlingen to Langenhagen. The first 4-colour office system QC 1500/ QC 2000 with tandem technology is introduced.
The European Union enters the third and final stage of the economic and monetary union with the introduction of the common currency and the establishment of the European Central Bank.
The Konica Minolta concern with over 20,500 employees is established. Develop has more than 300 specialist outlets in Germany and markets its products in 55 countries around the world.
Develop launches a product offensive with the ineo series, which combines outstanding print quality and cost efficiency.
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