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OKI Provides More Details on Americas’ Exit

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On September 1st, OKI Data Americas announced that it would end distribution of OKI-brand printer hardware in the Americas market. This includes all LED-based single and multifunction, as well as dot-matrix (SIDM), printer hardware.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Among the reasons for its exit, OKI explained that it’s experienced significant impact in sales revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic slowdown. Additionally, its parts-procurement and production capabilities have been affected by the pandemic, which has created global supply chain challenges. As a result, OKI Data America’s parent company, OKI Data Corporation of Japan, made this decision to exit the Americas.

The last scheduled shipment date for  OKI-brand printer hardware to the firm’s distribution partners and resellers will occur by March 31, 2021.

Continued Consumables, Parts, and Warranty Support

OKI will continue to supply consumables, parts and warranty service for a minimum of five years or as required by regulations and contracts. Its goal is to minimize any disruptions and keep the OKI machines-in-field productive for years to come.

OKI is working with its distribution partners to secure final purchase orders based on their projected inventory requirements. Distributors will have final say on stock levels; however, they may choose to continue the sales of specific SKU’s beyond March 31, 2021.

As for the sale of OKI commercial LED and digital-transfer printers in the Americas, OKI stated that global OEM arrangements and the distribution of specific value-added product lines that affect the Americas will be directly managed by OKI Data Corporation in Japan.

Meanwhile OKI-brand consumables will continue to be sold and marketed under the OKI brand. OKI will also continue to allow its authorized partners to use the OKI brand as they continue to sell genuine OKI consumables and parts, as well as provide service to the Americas market.

OKI Data Americas will also continue to actively manage the OKI brand, as well as OKI registered trademarks in the Americas to protect the interests of both OKI and its authorized partners. It will continue to honor printer warranties for the full warranty period.

After April 1, 2021, OKI Data will continue to supply consumables through its  current distribution networks. For resellers, OKI will continue to supply OKI-branded consumables to SYNNEX, NuWorld, Imaging Supplies Warehouse, and other authorized distributors. Customers’ current consumables source (office equipment reseller, VAR, systems integrator, office-supply company and e-commerce outlet) should continue to have access to fulfill consumables’ requirements.

The OKI website will continue to remain active and serve as a resource for firmware updates, print drivers, MSDS sheets, product information, as well as provide contact information for technical support, consumables purchasing and service. OKI will also continue to maintain its 1-800-OKI-Data customer support line.

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