When you think of printing, you may think of digitalization or paper waste. When you think of 11 November, you might think, “That is just a normal day” or “The 11th of the 11th is once again canceled in Limburg. What a bummer!” For Global Connect Admin, 11 November 2021 was the day to celebrate high-end innovative printing technologies. With the DUJAT Meets Limburg event, we traveled to Venlo to visit the new state-of-the-art Canon headquarter and the Customer Experience Center. But first, what makes this new headquarters so unique, and why invest in Limburg?
Limburg and innovation
Limburg, the southern Dutch province located next to Belgium and Germany, knows several key sectors, such as agri-food, life sciences & health, logistics, chemicals & materials and high-tech systems. Companies and the environment benefit from innovation and growth, with thriving ecosystems around different hotspots. The Dutch are well-known for being fluent in English. In Limburg, it is also prevalent to be native in other languages, such as French and German.
Several sectors have started to cooperate, creating ideal locations in combination with knowledge institutions. In recent years Limburg has grown into a multi-language and intercultural hotspot for many sectors. A prime example is the high-tech systems, making it more inviting for companies to thrive there. Canon, one of the biggest employer of Limburg, is a big player in this integral growth.
Green printing solutions
Canon invited companies to their newest ‘Green Landmark’: The Canon headquarters in Venlo. The location opened in the summer of 2020. However, many companies only recently have the chance to pay a visit. Global Connect Admin and the DUJAT community were one of the first to marvel at the new Canon accommodation. Inside the building are the four Green Plazas that provide an open and inviting atmosphere, ideal for stimulating synergy and exchange of knowledge.
The event
First, Mr. Asada, CEO of Canon, Mr. Leurs, Board Member of DUJAT and Managing Director of Canon Benelux and Mr. van Elk, Director of LIOF, welcomed everyone with a presentation and a tour of the sustainable building.
Secondly, everyone was invited to the Customer Experience Center, where Canon showcases its brand-new innovations for potential clients. During the networking lunch, Mr. de Goeijen, VP BL CTS of Canon, introduced everyone to insights into innovative printing technologies.
Key takeaways: Kyosei 共生
What impressed us the most was the corporate philosophy of Canon. Their philosophy is Kyosei, which translates to “Living and working together for the common good.” This corporate philosophy conveys the dedication to see all people, regardless of culture, customs, language or race, harmoniously living and working together in happiness into the future. Realizing Kyosei is a challenge due to current factors related to economies, resources and the environment. Nonetheless, Canon strives to eliminate difficulties through corporate activities. They believe that a genuinely global company must foster good relations with customers, communities, governments, regions and the environment. Therefore, Canon embraces the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, creating new value while conserving the environment, solving social issues and responding as a responsible corporate citizen.
One of the key takeaways is the San-ji (Three Selfs) Spirit, embracing self-motivation, self-management and self-awareness. We agree that taking the initiative and being proactive is crucial for motivation. To manage your business and yourself well, you need to conduct yourself with responsibility and accountability. Especially with the state of our world, we need to understand our situation and our role in this world.
Conclusion
The printing business is far from dying; it is evolving! The time of paper waste and office buildings swallowing energy like a hungry monster is slowly but surely coming to an end. Suppose you want your company to inspire others, or you want to see a long-term profit. In that case, it does pay off to invest in green energy and innovative solutions. It is a challenge to evolve your business. However, the good news is that you do not have to take this step alone. Many organizations and sectors, either in Limburg or worldwide, cooperate to find the best possible solutions for companies and society.
We want to thank Canon Production Printing Netherlands, DUJAT and Limburg Investment and Development Company LIOF for hosting this event and introducing us to this innovative location.
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