OKI Printing Solutions is expanding OKI Data Dalian, its Chinese software development campus in China's northeast region.

"The expansion of this facility is very important to us. China is a key base for OKI and we will continue to work with local staff in the country to further grow the OKI Data Dalian facility," stated Harushige Sugimoto, president and CEO of OKI Printing Solutions. "We will also contribute to the development of our Chinese base by providing high-quality products based on our advanced technologies."

Operations at the extended factory started in October 2008. By doubling the facility's total floor space, OKI has been able to grow its operation to develop printer hardware as well as software and to raise the total number of employees at the facility to 180, a six-fold increase since the site was opened in 2005. Formed in September 2005 with 30 employees, OKI Data Dalian is OKI Printing Solutions' first overseas software development company. It develops software for printers that are shipped around the world.

The company is currently increasing its engineering staff to strengthen its position in the growing MFP market as well as to meet demand for color LED printers.

As part of the expansion of its operations, OKI Data Dalian has developed both its offices and laboratories. OKI Data Dalian plans to increase employee numbers to 200 by the end of next fiscal year, all of whom will be housed within the 2,300 square meters floor space. It also plans to expand product development in line with growth in the Chinese printer market, bringing the number of employees to 250 by the 2010 fiscal year.