WER - World Eye Reports
2009 REPORTS > AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25, 2009
Australia
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CR Kennedy focuses on the Japan connection to strengthen business  
CR Kennedy Chairman and Managing Director Malcolm Kennedy (center) with sons Clement (left) and Robert (right)
Celebrating 75 years this year and 55 years of successful business with Japan, CR Kennedy has become Australia’s leading importer and distributor of photographic, medical, CCTV and survey equipment.

The company’s history with Japan began with the distribution of Pentax. As the first and oldest distributor in the world for Pentax, the family-run company remains proud of its strong ties with Japan.

Today, the company has posted robust growth as it works very closely with its Japanese partners HOYA Corp. (Pentax), Sigma Corp., Elmo Co., Kenko Co. and Hitachi Medical Corp. (ultrasound).

With the recent launch of its newest products in the imaging market, such as the Pentax K-7, a 14.6-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, CR Kennedy is confident that the company will raise its market share even more.

Through its five offices across the country and a dedicated staff of 250, CR Kennedy is able to provide superb service to customers and is confident its current annual turnover of 150 million Australian dollars will continue to grow.

“We have over 55 years of trading with our Japanese partners and are entering into the third generation with many of our family company suppliers. We greatly value the relationships we have with our Japanese partners, and benefit from many layers of trust, honesty and confidence. Australians and Japanese understand the need to strengthen the relationships we have with one another,” says Chairman and Managing Director Malcolm Kennedy, who took over from his father and company founder in 1975.

The company’s medical division, set up in 1981, has seen tremendous growth opportunities in the Australian health-care sector due to the current federal government’s expenditure on health. Sales in CR Kennedy’s complete range of Pentax (HOYA) Endoscopes led to the company being named HOYA Corp. Pentax Life Care Division Distributor of the Year 2008/09.

“Australia and Japan have always worked together in good times and bad times. Both countries are strong partners and we will continue to be so as long as we don’t take our important relationship for granted. At CR Kennedy, our family’s ties go beyond the commercial,” Kennedy says.

“We are all keen students of the Japanese language, culture, history, and have studied and traveled extensively in Japan. We understand the need to work closely with our Japanese partners over the long term, investing in advertising, marketing, and logistics to ensure outstanding and continued success in the Australian market,” he adds.

www.crkennedy.com.au

 
 
Table of Contents
Strengthening ties with the Japanese
Panasonic has clear picture of growth
Toshiba brings it all together
Bringing passion back to photography
HCA provides total customer satisfaction
Suzuki grows by catering to Australian way of life
Daikin celebrates 40 years of growth
Kubota consolidates Australian operations
Scoring success in Australia
MOL finds new growth areas
Powerful player in local energy
DENSO maintains investment Down Under
Toyota gears up for sustainable future in Australian market
Honda sets industry standards
Japanese bank leads the way in Australia
CR Kennedy focuses on the Japan connection to strengthen business
Melbourne – the perfect place to mix business with pleasure


Ebox

Naturally brewed from wheat, soybeans, water and salt, Kikkoman is the soy sauce of choice as it uses no artifi cial coloring or preservatives. It has found its way around the world as an all-purpose seasoning for Japanese and international cuisines. It has also launched a new high-quality range of marinades and sauces, which include sweet chili ginger, lime and lemon grass, and sesame and ginger. www.kikkoman.com.au

Launching operations in Australia in 1985, Toyo Ink Australia is a technology-driven company with a clear focus on value-added products and development. It has achieved its leading position by providing the highest-quality ink and adhering to strict environmental guidelines. www.toyoink.com.au

Hakubaku Australia produces the highest-quality noodles for the Australian, Japanese and international markets. Having set up a factory in Australia to gain access to the best grain in the world, it uses only the best local and certifi ed organic wheat to produce premium Japanese noodles. www.hakubaku.com

The pursuit of “Quality First” has been key to Aisin Australia’s success. Set up in 1972, it imports, exports, produces, and sells attractive and innovative automotive products, including door frames, latches, hinges and moldings. Under its “Vision 2010” plan, it is a strong and valued supplier for local customers, a self-sustaining production base and source of innovation. www.aisin.com.au

Present in Australia for almost 20 years, Fujitsu Ten is the country’s largest importer and supplier of navigation and audio equipment. A global leader in personal navigation devices and a major supplier to Toyota, Fujitsu Ten’s audiovisual navigation brand – Eclipse – offers safety-related features while providing full in-car entertainment solutions. www.fujitsuten.com.au; www.eclipse-web.com.au

Hunter Phillip Japan Ltd., based in Sydney, is a specialist Australia-Japan cross-border advisory fi rm. The firm’s principals have extensive Japan experience, with particular skills in property and funds management-related areas. www.hpj.com.au

Australian Honey is a pure source of energy from nature. Its bees are not affected by the problems in other honey-producing countries and its high-quality product is bottled in sophisticated packaging. Having a great interest in Japan and its culture, the company seeks distributors or retailer partners in the country. www.australianhoney.com.au

The Japan External Trade Organization promotes foreign trade with all countries. In Australia, it also identifi es new investment opportunities for Japanese and Australian companies. www.jetro.go.jp/australia

The Japan Foundation organizes cultural activities and cultural programs to deepen Japan-Australia ties. www.jpf.org.au

 
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