Japanese technology company entrusts Latvian professionals with a key role in its European operations
Japanese technology leader Epson has officially opened its new European Business Services (EBS) Centre in Riga, investing €6 million in the project. A team of 134 professionals has already begun work at the centre, which will provide support for the company’s operations across 25 European countries.
Epson selected Riga from among 28 cities in 18 countries. The decision was driven by Latvia’s highly skilled workforce, favourable geographical location in Europe, political and economic stability, and well-developed infrastructure.
Located in the Novira Plaza office building, the EBS Centre supports a total of 30 Epson offices across Europe in the areas of finance, accounting, IT, human resources, supply chain management and logistics. By consolidating these functions in Riga, the company aims to facilitate international collaboration among colleagues and encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The investment is also expected to generate long-term economic benefits for Latvia by strengthening the country’s service exports and contributing to tax revenues.
“Epson selected Riga from among 28 cities. This is a strong argument in our discussions with other global companies as well. The centre will contribute to Latvia’s service exports and tax revenues year after year. The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), together with the Ministry of Economics and Riga City Municipality, supported the company from the early stages of its location selection process. We will continue working with Epson to encourage the company to make its future investments in Latvia too,” said Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
The opening ceremony brought together EBS Centre employees, senior Epson executives, and representatives of the Latvian government and business community. Attendees included Junkichi Yoshida, President and CEO of Seiko Epson Corporation, and Takanori Inaho, President of Epson Europe.
“By choosing Riga, we are demonstrating our confidence in Latvia and its people. The skills and vision of our colleagues based here will make a significant contribution to Epson’s operations across Europe. Today, we are laying the foundations for a long-term presence in Latvia, combining the experience of a Japanese technology company with the talents of Latvian professionals to build a strong and lasting partnership,” said Takanori Inaho, President of Epson Europe.
“The decision by Japanese company Epson is a vote of confidence in Latvia and the professional capabilities of our people. This investment creates opportunities for talented professionals to build international careers and contribute to the operations of a global company without having to leave the country. We greatly value Epson’s commitment to expanding its operations in Latvia and are confident that this investment will strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Latvia and Japan,” said Andris Kulbergs, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia.
Speeches were also delivered by Edvards Smiltēns, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia; Kensuke Yoshida, Ambassador of Japan to Latvia; and Fredis Bikovs, Director of the Riga Investment and Development Agency. Meanwhile, Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs welcomed the new centre’s employees in a video address.
EBS is currently continuing its recruitment process, offering a range of employee benefits, including flexible working hours, hybrid working opportunities, comprehensive health insurance and professional development opportunities.
“Personally, one of the greatest sources of satisfaction for me is seeing our team take shape. Our employees not only help shape our day-to-day operations but also work together to develop the kind of working environment we want to be part of. It is important to me that this is a place where everyone feels that their work matters and can clearly see opportunities for their professional growth in the future. Those joining our team now also have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the centre’s future development,” said Aļesja Kirčenko, Director of Epson’s European Business Services Centre.
About “Epson”
“Epson” is a global technology leader that connects people, things, and information through its energy-efficient, compact, and precise technologies, as well as its digital technologies, promoting sustainability and improving life in communities. The company addresses societal challenges by driving innovation in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual technologies, and lifestyle. Epson is committed to completely eliminating carbon emissions from its operations by 2050 and phasing out the use of resources such as oil and metals.
The global Epson Group, led by the Japanese company Seiko Epson Corporation, has annual sales of approximately 1 trillion Japanese yen.
More about Epson: global.epson.com