NEW YORK CITY, June 5, 2001 - Ricoh Corporation, the Dependable DigitalTM output company, today announced its much-anticipated Aficio 1035/1045 digital imaging systems. Based on Ricoh's Next Generation technology, the models include several features that set benchmarks in the areas of ease-of-use, productivity, energy savings and document management. The Aficio 1035 and 1045 both won Better Buys for Business' Editor's Choice Award in the May 2001 guide to mid-volume copiers and multifunctional machines. The Aficio 1035/1045 systems are the first to have Ricoh's unique Next Generation technology, a new controller platform that eliminates the need for separate controller boards for the network printing, scanning and faxing options. In addition these environmentally friendly systems both contain Ricoh's proprietary QSU (Quick Start-up) technology, which allows them to operate in energy-saving mode, with a 10- or 15-second start-up time for the Aficio 1035 and 1045 machines, respectively. The systems boast high-speed duplex productivity and add-on printer solutions, and contain Ricoh's advanced Document Server, which can store and edit frequently copied, faxed or printed documents on demand. The Aficio 1035/1045 next generation technology was developed as an open architecture. And through Ricoh's RA2K developer program, Independent Software/Hardware, vendors can develop, deploy and seamlessly integrate their Software/Hardware technology to provide customized solutions for specific end user needs. Engine speed for the new Aficio 1035/1045 is 35 and 45 pages-per-minute (ppm), respectively, at 600 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution. "Ricoh understands the needs of the office workgroup better than anyone, and have used this knowledge to fuel the development of our next generation technology," said Jim Ivy, President, Office Products Group, Ricoh Corporation. "This architecture will bring unparalleled functionality and options for expanding and customizing a system for a specific work environment." Furthering A Commitment to the Environment The introduction of the Aficio 1035 signals an industry-wide new era in energy-conscious product development and manufacture. In fact, Ricoh received the "Copier of the Future award from the International Energy Agency of Paris for the development of the Aficio 1035. Rioch also was the first office equipment manufacturer to support the mission of the International Energy Agency, and was a major contributor to the development of the program's international standards and requirements. "The Aficio 1035/1045 systems are the newest products that highlight Ricoh's commitment to the environment and help to fulfill our responsibility for preserving our natural resources," said Katsumi "Kirk Yoshida, President and CEO, Ricoh Corporation. "Ricoh has always been proactive when seeking out new ways of reducing energy consumption for the benefit of our environment, without sacrificing the convenience and efficiency of today's cutting-edge technologies."