A key component of laser beam printers used in homes and offices worldwide is the toner cartridge, which consolidates all parts that require routine maintenance into one unit and whose design is so simple that a typical user can easily replace it.
Canon invented the toner cartridge and went on to play a major role in popularizing the laser beam printer for its ease of use and high-quality imaging performance.

Over the years, global demand for laser beam printers grew to the point where Canon needed a new factory to meet it. But where would the factory be built? To answer that question, it is important to understand Canon's focus on “globally optimized production”—a system which factors in all issues related to an item's production, including quality, cost, parts procurement, work force, delivery time, relevant product characteristics, and environmental considerations, and selects the most rational location for production.

For laser beam printers, the most rational location appeared obvious: Canon Virginia. After all, the United States is the world's largest consumer of the printers. Moreover, Canon Virginia was already as recycling base for toner cartridges, and it had a highly trained workforce and an effective distribution system.

Canon's automated production technologies ensure high-quality production even for products built outside Japan. Consequently, a laser beam printer's entire “product lifecycle”—production, sales, recovery, and recycling—can be fulfilled within the United States. Canon Virginia helps to ensure an effective use of resources by minimizing waste in production and slashing CO₂ emissions from distribution.

Knowing that earth-friendly production is vital for the future, Canon relentlessly continues its focus on globally optimized production.