The two OEMs are said to be planning to also work on toner and other supplies.
Japan Times reported on further rumours and potential details of a partnership between Sharp and HP, which was originally stated to concern Sharp entering into a manufacturing deal to produce copiers under HP’s brand.
The new details include the provision set by Sharp that “some of its digital copiers” manufactured for HP would be “for sale under its name”, as well as Sharp “consider[ing] working with HP on toners and other supplies”. The rumours came after Samsung’s attempts to co-opt Sharp’s printer and copier businesses with its own, becoming Sharp’s largest shareholder and buying a stake before Sharp rejected the offer to buy both its printer and copier units, and then calling off the fledging joint copier business plans that Samsung had suggested.
Sharp reportedly aims to “expand production of copiers to make up for its losses in the liquid crystal business”, whilst HP “seeks to enhance its product line-up by adding Sharp’s copiers”, which can print up to A3-size in comparison to HP’s A4-size devices.