- TOKYO, Japan, October 9, 2026 -

Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") and Cluster Technology Co., Ltd. ("Cluster Technology") today announced that they have entered into a capital and business alliance agreement. As part of the alliance, Epson will receive a third-party allotment of shares issued by Cluster Technology, thereby forging capital ties between the two companies.

Epson and Cluster Technology will leverage their respective technologies and expertise to develop high-performance components and advanced materials, including components related to inkjet printheads, while also stabilizing supply in support of Epson's growing demand. The goal is to further advance inkjet technology and expand its application in new areas.

Cluster Technology has been leveraging the precision molding and customized material technologies of its nano- and micro-technology business to accelerate the replacement of metal parts and other materials with plastic parts in precision products such as optical equipment and printers. Doing so allows the company to reduce product weight, enhance performance, and lower manufacturing costs. In its macro-technology business, Cluster Technology has compiled an extensive track record in plastic insulating materials for the heavy electrical equipment industry, electrical insulation structures for power distribution systems, and plastic-molded insulators. In this way, the company has supported improvements in the safety and reliability of industrial infrastructure for many years.

Meanwhile, Epson, operating in line with a long-term vision outlined in ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035, seeks to solve societal issues and create new value by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precise technology and philosophy to drive innovation in co-creation projects with partners. Inkjet printheads are the core technology underpinning Epson's Inkjet Solutions business, which Epson has positioned as a growth domain. The company plans to invest approximately ¥5 billion over a three-year period to promote investments and collaborative development initiatives aimed at advancing technological innovation and creating new business opportunities.

This alliance is part of this strategy. By combining the strengths of both companies, Epson and Cluster Technology aim to advance the development of inkjet printhead components and material technologies, further enhancing inkjet technology and expanding its application into new fields.

Combining Cluster Technology's plastic composite material technologies and molding and processing technologies with Epson's inkjet technologies and development capabilities will enable the parties to further the development of high-performance components and advanced materials, including components for inkjet printheads.

The companies will also leverage their respective manufacturing technologies and expertise to improve productivity and quality, as well as stabilize supply. These moves are expected to enhance the value provided to customers and strengthen competitiveness in the inkjet domain.

Cluster Technology will implement a third-party allotment of new shares and enter into a capital alliance with Epson. Epson will invest approximately ¥300 million by purchasing newly issued shares through a third-party allotment, thereby consolidating its long-term cooperative relationship with Cluster Technology.

For further details, please refer to Cluster Technology's disclosure dated October 9, 2026, titled "Notice Regarding the Conclusion of a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement with Seiko Epson Corporation, Issuance of New Shares through a Third-Party Allotment, and Expected Changes in Major Shareholders and the Largest Major Shareholder" (Japanese only).

https://www.cluster-tech.co.jp/ir_info

Through this capital and business alliance, the two companies will advance joint development and technical collaboration, while strengthening cooperation in manufacturing and development to enhance their technological capabilities and competitiveness in the inkjet domain. Furthermore, they will seek to expand their business in industrial applications and other growth markets, thereby enhancing the value delivered to customers and creating new business opportunities.

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