PHOTO GALLERY: Brother celebrates 100th anniversary with its channel partners

A Japanese themed party was held in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth where Geishas welcomed guests to a night of celebration with sake cocktail making lessons, horse-racing and various games.

“This important anniversary has given Brother the opportunity to look back over the past 100 years at where we have come from and where we are today,” said Yoshi Sugimoto, Brother’s managing director Australia.

“We can celebrate that we have built a first class brand known for technological excellence and whilst doing so have remained committed to the corporate values put in place when the company was founded.”

A century ago, Yasui Sewing Machine Co was established by Kanekichi Yasui in Japan.

His eldest son, Masayoshi Yasui, helped his father research how to manufacture sewing machines in Japan.

Marketing the sewing machines under the “Brother” brand due to strong family ties, Brother made its name in manufacturing sewing machines.

The brand eventually diversified into other businesses producing typewriters, which were considered a necessity in the 1960’s office.

In the 1970s Brother produced the world’s first high-speed dot-matrix printer, brought to Australia in 1977.

In 1987 the brand entered the printing, communications and digital imaging market with its laser printers and fax machines.

“Brother International’s long history of producing innovative products has ensured that in today’s industry, Brother continues to live by its motto ‘At your side’ and is viewed as a high-quality brand,” said Sugimoto.

In Q4 of 2008 Brother will expand its product offerings in the IT and Office and Home Sewing Machine space with the launch of a new range of products.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Brother is giving customers the chance to win one of three Brother Innovation Packs every month until December 2008.

As well as its Anniversary Roadshow, Brother held a reseller incentive promotion, where participants competed to win five double all expenses paid trip to Japan in October.

Accompanied by Sugimoto, the winners were:
Kelvin Williams, Director, Office National (Spencer)
Mark Read, Owner, Stirling Business Machines
Murray Westlund, Owner, West Coast Office Equipment
Rosyln Souter, Sales Technician, Office National (AOS)
David Dess, Sales Technician, Victorian Business Machines
Vinnie Bhaskaran, Proprietor, Victorian Business Machines

The Brother roadshow took place around Australia on the following dates: Brisbane 28th October, Melbourne 29th October, Sydney 5th November , Perth 11th November and Adelaide 12th November.

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