Mustek seeks more brands

By Nicola Mawson for Mustek
Johannesburg, 30 Jun 2009

Computing company Mustek seeks further exclusive computing brands to add to its portfolio, to bolster growth.

Alison Greenhough, dealer sales manager, says Mustek aims to offer an entire computing solution for companies, and wants to be able to offer everything from the printer and fax machine, to accessories. As a result, the company is seeking brands that can complement its existing offerings.

Mustek is a branded assembler and distributor of PCs, notebooks and related products. Its PC and notebook division, Mecer, is one of SA's top-selling PC brands.

It has a range of brands, for which it has excusive distribution rights, including Mecer desktops and notebooks, Brother printers, Toshiba notebooks and Fujitsu scanners. Its major clients include corporate, government, parastatals, retail and a dealer network.

Shereen James, retail sales division manager, says Mustek is looking at adding other brands for which it will have exclusive distribution rights, as it does not want to compete with other companies in the channel with the same brand.

James says it is also almost ready to launch its Digital Signage solution to companies and retailers. The offering provides a screen set-up to scroll advertisements, or other information.

Mustek will provide the entire package, which includes a machine, LCD screen and software, as well as work out the financing aspects of the deal. However, James will not reveal details of the financing solution, saying this is where similar offerings have stalled due to the high capital outlay.

James says the signage offering is a “great growth area” for the company.

Mustek will also seek to target the education sector. Its education division provides a solution that gives both learners and teachers laptops that are connected to each other. The teacher can use a digital projector while demonstrating work, as well as monitor the students' work via a laptop.