Success in government tenders and cooperation with computer retailers that supply Brother equipment as part of their systems have allowed the company to install more than 100,000 printers in public offices around Italy in the past five years.

Today, Brother Italia employs a largely local staff of 40 Italians and only one Japanese, Takamure. He has been its president for six years, during which he has instilled some dramatic and successful changes.

Takamure has solidified Brother Italia’s relations with its local agents. Its sales representatives, formerly retained on a purely commission basis, are now full-time salaried employees – resulting in a more committed staff. “Our personnel,” says Takamure, “have been the keys to Brother Italia’s success.”

Besides providing quality products at the right price with the right timing Brother also strongly believes in after sales service. As Takamure says: “Communication and human relationships convince the customer to buy.”

Recently, Takamure took customers to the Italian Formula One Grand Prix to see the Jordan team car, which they sponsor. He comments: “I have learned that the human touch is very important here. That is why we have to be more than just dealers and suppliers of consumer products.”

Brother is paying close attention to environmental and waste management. In 2002, it was awarded the TCO 99 certificate that recognizes advances in ergonomic, emission, energy, and ecology standards in office equipment.