Camera and optics firm Pentax Imaging Co. will bring about 40 employees to downtown Denver this fall as it relocates its national headquarters from Golden.
Pentax said it will lease space on the 26th floor in Tower One of Colorado Plaza Towers at 633 17th St. The move is scheduled for Oct. 1.
Company officials said downtown’s central location was the primary factor in deciding to move from Golden, where Pentax has resided since 2003 after consolidating two divisions in southeast and north metro Denver.
“We are excited to be a part of the vibrant, growing Denver metropolitan hub, which will mean more exposure for Pentax and a culturally exciting environment for our employees,” said Ned Bunnell, president of Pentax Imaging.
Bunnell said the company will consider leasing retail space at the downtown complex.
The relocation is one of several that downtown Denver has landed in the past year, including kidney dialysis giant DaVita, ski-resort operator Intrawest and Suncor Energy’s U.S. headquarters.
“An international, high-tech, innovative business like Pentax is exactly the type of company that economic development officials covet,” said Jim Kirchheimer, senior director of economic development for the Downtown Denver Partnership. “We are delighted that they have chosen to relocate their Americas headquarters in the heart of downtown Denver.”
Pentax’s parent company, Hoya Corp., is in the process of selling the Pentax imaging systems business to copier and printer maker Ricoh for about $130 million. The deal is expected to close Oct. 1. Pentax said no operational changes are currently planned.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
