NORWALK, CONN.—Xerography is now 75 years old. Originally known as electrophotography, the process was invented by Chester Carlson in Queens, N.Y. and led to the fomation of Xerox Corporation.

The creation of xerography was a key development for toner printing and is still at the core of many office photocopiers, and laser and LED printers. According to Xerox, Carlson, an avid inventor, aimed "to make office workers a little more productive and office work a little simpler and less tedious."


Inventor Chester Carlson and the first xerographic machine

Xerox will be honouring the occasion starting in October with a series of activities, "celebrating and imagining the future" through company intranet, web chats and social media.

"Now is the time when many companies would look back, and we certainly will, but only for a moment. The real focus of our celebration will be the future and how Xerox will continue to simplify how work gets done," said Ursula Burns, Xerox chief executive officer and chairman of the board, in a released statement. "That’s why the theme of our anniversary year is 'The Next 75,'" said Burns.