Harris Technology will open a new business centre and corporate office in Brisbane today (Tuesday), creating 22 new jobs and taking the first step in a major expansion plan.
Managing director David Foster said further openings are planned in other states in 2003 as the company pursues its goal of becoming a leading reseller to the corporate and government markets.
"Our strategy is to expand both geographically and to the larger corporate and government markets over the next few years," he said. At the same time, Harris will retain its strong position in the SME market.
"The opening of our Brisbane office is the first step in our expansion plans. It will be our first physical presence in Queensland, although we have supplied customers there for several years."
The Brisbane corporate office will serve corporate and government clients in Queensland while the business centre is expected to appeal to small business customers.
Ray Callen, formerly of Corporate Express, has been appointed state manager for Queensland. "Queensland is a terrific market with great potential for Harris, Callen said. "There are plenty of opportunities to provide the kind of service that the market here is demanding."
Harris will continue to leverage its core strengths of smart solutions, rapid delivery and fine service into new markets, according to Foster.
He believes the business model reflects Harris's successful structure in other states, with a limited number of business centres displaying and selling goods, supported by online, telephone and fax ordering and face-to-face account management. The company has just served its millionth customer.
"We work closely with vendors to offer the widest range of the latest technology at the most competitive prices," Foster said. "Our entire business is structured to keep costs low, which means we can deliver real savings to customers. We are known for our range of over 60,000 products, our knowledgeable staff and the convenience we offer as a multi-channel operator."
Meanwhile, Coles Myer continues to corner the IT and office supplies market. Its Officeworks business yesterday announced the purchase of Viking Office Products, Australia's largest direct marketer of office supplies, with annual sales of approximately $150 million and 128,000 active business customers.
