Brother Industries

Brother Industries. It is a diversified Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Nagoya, renowned globally for its production of printers, multi-function printers, and sewing machines. Founded in 1908, the company has grown from a small family repair business into a major player in the electronics and industrial equipment sectors, with a significant presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Its product portfolio also includes label makers, machine tools, and industrial sewing machines for the apparel industry.

History

The company's origins trace back to 1908 when Kanekichi Yasui began repairing sewing machines in Nagoya, later founding Yasui Sewing Machine Co.. His sons, Jitsuichi Yasui and Masayoshi Yasui, expanded the business, and in 1934, it was incorporated as **Nippon Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co.**, producing the first Japanese-made chain-stitch sewing machine. After World War II, the company began exporting under the "Brother" brand name to foster international appeal, officially changing its name in 1962. A pivotal expansion occurred with the 1971 release of the Brother Typewriter, marking its entry into the office equipment market. Major overseas manufacturing began with a plant in Wales, followed by facilities in the United States, China, and Vietnam, solidifying its global manufacturing footprint.

Products

The company's product lines are divided into several core segments. Its printing and solutions division is a global leader in inkjet printers, laser printers, and multi-function printers for both home and office use, competing with brands like HP Inc. and Canon Inc.. The home appliances segment includes a wide range of household sewing machines and embroidery machines, building on its historic expertise. For industrial clients, it manufactures advanced industrial sewing machines and knitting machines used in textile manufacturing. Additionally, its machine tools business produces CNC machines and machining centers, while other products encompass label makers, scanners, and fax machines.

Corporate affairs

Headquartered in Nagoya, the company is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Nagoya Stock Exchange. It operates through a global network of subsidiaries, including Brother International Corporation in the United States and Brother Industries (UK) Ltd. in Europe. The company is known for its vertical integration, controlling key component manufacturing such as printheads. It maintains major research and development centers in Japan and the United States, focusing on imaging technology and robotics. Its corporate philosophy emphasizes "At your side," aiming to provide value to customers in both business and life segments.

Environmental record

The company has implemented various initiatives under its Brother Earth global environmental brand. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain, with targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Product development emphasizes energy efficiency, with many printers meeting ENERGY STAR standards, and incorporates recycled plastic in hardware. The company promotes a circular economy through cartridge recycling programs and has achieved zero waste to landfill status at several major manufacturing sites, including its Tenri Plant in Nara Prefecture.

See also

* Canon Inc. * Epson * Ricoh * Janome * Juki * List of companies of Japan

Category:Companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Category:Electronics companies of Japan Category:Manufacturing companies based in Nagoya