Company profile

Sakura has achieved its success and solidified its reputation by providing timely, ingenious solutions to the real challenges laboratories face on a day-to-day basis. Our rich history has given us a thorough understanding of technology, quality, reliability, value for money and our customer’s requirements. We use this knowledge and passion to develop products that anticipate developments in both technology and market need.

Our history

The history of Sakura goes back to 1871, the early Meiji period. Prior to 1870, the company was called Iwashiya, and it manufactured and sold pharmaceuticals throughout Japan. The medical equipment division of Iwashiya was formed in 1871, and by 1887, the trademark Sakura (literally, “cherry blossom”) was registered. For the next 90 years, the company manufactured a variety of medical equipment including the first Japanese microscope. In 1962, the company name was changed to Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.

Sakura is the original manufacturer of the Tissue-Tek®, Cyto-Tek®, VIP® and Xpress® products that have become industry standards over the years. This lineup of prestigious products also includes the Accu-Edge® Blade Systems, Uni-Cassette® Systems and Paraform® brands.
Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. was established in the United States in 1986. The company acquired the histology and cytology product lines of Miles Inc. in 1994. In 1994 Sakura Finetek Europe is set up as an independent organisation, reporting to the Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. Sakura Finetek Europe has the mission to support its sales entities and distributors.

Today, we distribute products through our network of more than 60 Sakura sales entities and distributors to over 100 countries in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. The organisation is developing, professionalizing and growing continuously, and thus maintaining its position as a trustworthy and valuable partner in pathology. With the worldwide headquarters in the United States and regional offices in Japan and The Netherlands, the global strategy of worldwide representation has been fulfilled to guarantee the customer the best way in service and support.

Sakura Finetek Europe B.V. also looks for European partners with whom we can collaborate on developing new products and/or OEM manufacturing. Strategic alliances on major projects, joint ventures with leading companies, and acquisitions are three of the tools Sakura uses to ensure that it is always able to respond to market needs. Our goal at Sakura Finetek Europe B.V. is to ensure that SAKURA remains a stable, successful, customer-oriented company and to uphold the company's values of sincerity and harmony.

Source: Sakura Finetek