When it comes to the world of printing, scanning, and imaging solutions, Brother Printers is a well-established brand that has been a household name for decades. But have you ever wondered who the parent company behind this iconic brand is? In this article, we will delve into the history and inner workings of the parent company behind Brother Printers, revealing the fascinating story of a Japanese multinational that has left an indelible mark on the printing industry.
A Brief History of Brother Printers
Brother Printers was founded in 1934 by Yoshida-Kogyo Ltd., a Japanese sewing machine manufacturer. The company started by producing sewing machines, but soon expanded its product line to include other types of office equipment, such as knitting machines and typewriters. The first typing machine produced by Brother was introduced in 1954 and quickly gained popularity in Japan. However, it was the introduction of the world’s first high-speed dot matrix printer, the CP-80, in 1971 that catapulted Brother Printers to global fame.
The Parent Company Behind Brother Printers
The parent company behind Brother Printers is Brother Industries Ltd., a Japanese multinational corporation with its headquarters in Nagoya, Japan. Brother Industries was founded in 1962 as a reorganization of Yoshida-Kogyo Ltd. and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of printing, scanning, and imaging solutions.
Brother Industries is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Osaka Securities Exchange. As of 2022, the company has a market capitalization of over $3 billion and employs over 30,000 people worldwide. The company’s primary segments include the production of printers, all-in-one devices, scanners, multifunctional devices, and mobile printing solutions.
Business Segments and Operations
Brother Industries has a diversified portfolio of business segments, including:
- Printing and Imaging Solutions: This segment is the core business of the company and includes the production of printers, all-in-one devices, scanners, multifunctional devices, and mobile printing solutions.
- Sewing Machines and Home Electronic Appliances: This segment includes the production of sewing machines, knitting machines, and home electronic appliances, such as sewing machines, sergers, and overlock machines.
- Quilting and Embroidery Machines: This segment includes the production of quilting and embroidery machines, which are popular among hobbyists and professionals.
- Industrial Printers: This segment includes the production of industrial printers, such as high-speed dot matrix printers and barcode printers, which are used in manufacturing and logistics.
Brother Industries operates globally, with regional headquarters located in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company has manufacturing facilities in China, Malaysia, and Vietnam, as well as sales and marketing offices in over 20 countries worldwide.
Research and Development
Research and development (R&D) is a crucial aspect of Brother Industries’ business strategy. The company invests heavily in R&D to develop innovative printing and imaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. Brother Industries has established R&D centers in Japan, the United States, and Europe, which focus on developing new technologies, such as inkjet printing, laser printing, and mobile printing.
In recent years, Brother Industries has made significant strides in developing sustainable and eco-friendly printing solutions. For example, the company has introduced a range of printers that use eco-friendly ink, which reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact.
Sustainable Business Practices
Brother Industries is committed to sustainable business practices that minimize its environmental impact while promoting social responsibility. The company has established a comprehensive sustainability policy that outlines its commitment to the environment, society, and the economy.
Some of the key sustainability initiatives implemented by Brother Industries include:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Brother Industries has set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
- Reducing waste: The company has implemented a waste reduction program that aims to minimize waste and maximize recycling.
- Promoting sustainability in the supply chain: Brother Industries works closely with its suppliers to promote sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
Conclusion
Brother Industries is the parent company behind Brother Printers, a well-established brand that has been a household name for decades. The company’s rich history, commitment to innovation, and dedication to sustainability have made it a leader in the printing industry. With its diversified portfolio of business segments and operations in over 20 countries worldwide, Brother Industries is a global force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, the next time you see a Brother printer or scanner in your office or home, remember the rich history and innovative spirit of the parent company behind the brand, Brother Industries.
Who is the Parent Company of Brother Printers?
Brother Industries is the parent company of Brother Printers. Established in 1908 in Japan, the business started off as a small sewing machine manufacturer called ‘Yasui Sewing Machine Co.’ Over time it expanded into various product lines such as typewriters, knitting machines, and lastly, into the printer and office equipment business.
The company remains family-owned and is known globally for providing a diverse range of products including printers, label makers, sewing and embroidery machines, as well as home appliances like air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. The Japan-based giant operates subsidiaries worldwide, playing a significant role in shaping the modern printing technology landscape.
How did the Parent Company of Brother Printers start its printer business?
In 1961, Brother Industries initiated its journey into the business of office machines including electric typewriters, calculators, and the launch of Japan’s very first compact, lightweight, and portable electric typewriter which later laid the groundwork for expanding into printers. This marked the corporation’s shift towards other business machines, breaking away from merely manufacturing sewing and knitting machines.
Brother’s official foray into the printer segment happened in the early 1970s, primarily driven by its release of its first printer. This facilitated its entry into the industry, focusing on various products such as electronic typewriters, word processors and calculators. Eventually, with several successful printer models launched over the years, the corporation consolidated its position in the international market as a robust printer manufacturer.
Does the parent company, Brother Industries, make money mainly through printer sales?
While Brother Industries is perhaps most famous globally for its extensive line of printers, it is indeed a diverse business, manufacturing a wide variety of products such as home appliances, sewing and embroidery machines, label makers, and other office equipment. Printers do form a significant part of its global sales, however, the business earnings stem from other notable segments like sewing machines for both home and industrial use.
In addition to gaining revenue from its business lines of label makers, printing supplies, and printer consumables, the business is also heavily invested in domestic appliance manufacturing which accounts for a share in its turnover. The organization relies on sales spanning across multiple product categories to fuel its overall growth and globally expand its presence in the diverse markets it serves.
What is the market share of Brother Printers?
Brother Printers continues to hold a considerable market share within the printer industry worldwide, having established itself as one of the prominent players. It operates globally through its array of printer products catering to varied consumer needs, from basic home use to advanced industrial use, offering an impressive portfolio to compete in the business. However, its exact market share percentage is not constant and is influenced by existing competitors in the market.
Brother Industries fights for its market share alongside other competing players such as HP, Epson, and Canon. To stay competitive, the business focuses on offering its popular range of products such as monochrome laser, inkjet, mobile, and 3D printers, with notable efforts in expanding its presence through innovation. To bolster its global market presence, the business engages in partnerships with various stakeholders.
What drives Brother Printers in the current market?
To sustain its business growth in an ever-evolving and dynamic industry such as printers, Brother Industries invests heavily in product innovation and technological advancements, such as releasing high-tech smart printers. Responding to emerging business trends, consumer patterns, and offering its clients products that fulfill evolving requirements keep Brother forward.
Key factors propelling its current market position include an active manufacturing process geared towards developing printer products more efficiently, prioritizing customer satisfaction, adapting and innovating its service product lines, operating production facilities, designing environmentally friendly products to reflect its environmental policy commitment, and effective branding and marketing.
Is Brother Industries profitable since venturing into the printer business?
Over the years, Brother Industries has shown remarkable resilience to changes in global business trends by generating substantial revenues from the various product lines it operates in, including the division of its printer and related supplies segment. Like all businesses, the profitability may face fluctuations.
By following sustainable environmental and social business practices, Brother Industries remains optimistic in further elevating the business’s contributions to the business market – which ensures the stability of earnings across the company product divisions – enabling global market leadership in specific segments like sewing machines, and in the rapidly diversifying printer industry as well.