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Origins of Gestetner

The name Gestetner was the first in stencil duplicating.

In 1881 an innovative young Hungarian clerk, David Gestetner, discovered that a wax coated paper used in the manufacturing of children's kites, could also effectively be used as ink stencils, hence, office automation and Gestetner was born.

The initial "Cyclostyle Duplicator" - which revolutionised office communication, is still the original stencil duplicating process and is unbeatable in terms of speed and cost efficiency.

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Gestetner World Wide

Gestetner's success is a result of it's commitment to quality in both service and product, combined with a positive endeavour to satisfy the needs of the client. During the last seven years Gestetner has branched out into new areas, however, it's main business is still the selling of communications on paper. 1990 saw the purchase of the world's largest distributor, Nashua. This made Gestetner the largest independent copier company in the world.

During 1990, a secure relationship was formed with one of Japans leading office automation companies - Ricoh. Ricoh is well known for the exstensive research and development efforts it undertakes to ensure that not only is the client demand satisfied, but the latest technological advances are incorporated in it's products, including environmental issues.

The Ricoh and Gestetner merger in September 1995 increased Gestetner's prominence at the forefront of office automation technology.

With a long history of 114 years and a proud record to maintain, the Group remains commited to building a strong and customer focused orginisation, based on Gestetner and Ricoh's well known brand name and excellent international distribution network of over 4 000 outlets in 130 countries.

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Gestetner in South Africa

Gestetner first appeared on the South African Market in 1921 as a supplier of duplicating equipment to the goverment educational institutions. However, financial foresight and good managerial planning opened this area of supply to include offset printers, photocopiers, facsimilies and related office automation equipment.

During politically difficult years in the 60's and 70's, Gestetner stood firm in it's commitment to South Africa and the clientele it had built up during the years. The rewards of this commitment are being reaped today.

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Core Management Strategy

1. Reformation through Customer focused Business Development

TARGET

• Customer retention 99%
• All field technicians must have achieved a minimum A+ certificate in the service of networkable products
• All sales executives must obtain a Gestetner I.T college certificate

GOAL

• Maintain and update a high quality data base by every division in Gestetner, thereby forming a most critical management resource
• All staff clearly understand their role towards customer care and retention, and their performance to be measured by adding value to customers
• Gestetner South Africa will establish its reputation and brand image as the No.1 service provider

 2. Transformation from an office equipment supplier to a major player in the I.T industry

TARGET

• 80% of all Gestetner Digital Copiers must be sold with printing functions
• 20% yearly growth of consumables and technical revenue

GOAL

• "Printing" becomes core competence for Gestetner South Africa
• Capable of offering a total solution and satisfaction in the communication field
• Gain substantial print volume on top of existing copy volume

 3. On going reviews and changes in the business process to enhance a leading edge in the market place

TARGET

• Increase all sales by 50%
• Achieve top 5 status among Ricoh Gestetner Affiliates

GOAL

• Integration of a data base in all sales activities and adopt a more scientific approach
• Installation of network and communication software in Gestetner South Africa to enhance service to customers and increase productivity
• Implementing continuous change in work flow to obtain a sound financial strength in Gestetner to give customer confidence

 4. Development of Human Resource and employee satisfaction

TARGET

• New Head Office (Gauteng) premises in October 2000
• Performance based appraisals to start 1999
• Set clear implementation schedule for the Equity and Training Act

 GOAL

• Develop management skills in middle management and staff, to allow them to be fully capable of providing service excellence to customers
• Provide attractive working environment and remuneration to reinforce loyalty and dynamism in the organisation
• Undertaking a challenge of cross racial transformation which will contribute to the new South African requirements

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Mission Statement

To provide a total solution and new value in the Image Communication Field to customers in the office environment.

Through these activities, Gestetner aims to obtain outstanding customer satisfaction, the winner of the 21st century, top market share and confidence as a global citizen.

Indispensable conditions to attain the mission statement.

• Global Enterprise

Develop worldwide business operation, highly effective utilization of management resources.

• Top Market Share

Have top market share of major products in the image communication field.

• Innovation and Standardization in its Products

Establish de-facto standard with Gestetner’s unique technology.

• Total Solution Provider

Provide not only hardware and maintenance but also consultation and added value to customers through its dependable sales and service network.

• Gain Confidence from Society and Shareholders

Have high reputation for its commitment to customers, environmental health and contribution to the society.

• Excellent Financial Strength

Establish strong cash flow and procurement of funds to support continuous investment.

• Create Dynamic Corporate Culture

Always keep productiveness and creativeness lead, by employees.

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Sponsorships

GOLF - MARK McNULTY

The Gestetner and Mark McNulty association was first started in 1994. Mark has won the Players Order of Merit 7 times on the South African golfing circuit and has been ranked amongst the top professionals in the world. ' When we, within our company talk of how we can build our business we often relate to Mark as one of South Africa's most consistent and respected professionals, hence his nick-name the 'gentleman of golf'.

Mark communicates confidence - just as our products and services do. here by wearing the Gestetner's logo makes good business sense.

MOTOR RACING - PETER LINDENBERG

Gestetner has been the principal sponsor of Peter Lindenberg and the "rolling thunder" V8 Gestetner Mustang in the WesBank Modified Saloon car championships since 1993. A true fighter by nature, Peter Lindenberg announced his arrival as a serious racing driver when he won class B of the WesBank championships in 1994, a year he nearly made sporting history by winning three national sporting classes in one year. He won his 10th SA powerboat championship; the class B modified saloon car title and missed by a single point being crowned Delta Sports 2000 champion. Since then he has been a leading contender in WesBank Modified Saloon Car racing, finishing third overall in the 1998 series.

PHYSICALLY DISABLED

Gestetner is very proud to be the official office automation sponsor of the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled since 1996. The association's main objective is to act as the controlling body to recognise the rights of the disabled to participate in sports activities at all levels and is responsible for the selection and funding of South African teams attending Paralympic games or any world championships recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

BOXING - GIOVANNI "SHOSHOLOZA" PRETORIUS

As well as being sponsored by Gestetner since December 1994, Giovanni is also employed as a fax technician and is affectionately known as The "Big G" by the staff. He has an impressive record of 27 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. Call him the Rocky Graziano of boxing! With his newly acquired stylist skills combined with roaring "all action" style, so reminiscent of America's most dynamic, makes him a potent force to be reckoned with. Knockouts have in fact characterised Pretorius' past performance and it is notable that no less than 23 wins of his victims exited early. The National Champion since 1996, Pretorius has only suffered one loss as a professional, when he unwisely challenged the far bigger Robin Reid for the WBC Super Middleweight crown in February 1997.

Giovanni portrays Gestetner's image as one of professionalism and dedication.

DEVELOPMENT RACING

Gestetner's investing in the future of our 'racing youth' - we are co-sponsoring 23-year-old Zenzele Mafokoane in the Vodacom Sports 2000 Racing Series as part of our sport development programme.

Weclome to the Gestetner racing team.