Roland Corporation
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|
| Public (K.K.) | |
| Traded as | : |
| Industry | Electronics |
| Founded | Osaka, Japan (April 18, 1972) |
| Headquarters | Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan |
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Key people
|
Ikutaro Kakehashi, Junichi Miki |
| Products | Musical instruments, Audio/Video, Electronics, Computer-related products |
|
Number of employees
|
3,060 (2013) |
| Website | roland.com |
The Roland Corporation (ローランド株式会社 Rōrando Kabushiki Kaisha?) is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005, Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Italy, Taiwan, Japan, and the USA. As of March 31, 2010, it employed 2,699 employees. It has existed in different forms since 1960, making it relatively old among still-operating manufacturers of musical electronics. Known for hundreds of popular synthesizers, drum machines, and other instruments, Roland has been one of the top names in professional music equipment since the late 1970s.
In 2014, Roland Corporation was subject to a management buyout by Roland's CEO Junichi Miki, supported by Taiyo Pacific Partners.
Kakehashi founded Ace Electronic Industries in 1960, a manufacturer of numerous combo organs, guitar amplifiers, and effects pedals. He was also contracted by Hammond to produce rhythm machines for the company's line of home organs. In 1973, Kakehashi cut ties with both companies to found Roland.
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