About Us - Southern Business Machines

The company commenced trading in 1976 as Copycat Distributors, and in 1981 changed its name to Southern Business Machines. 

Southern Business Machines has, for over 30 years, been providing office equipment sales, service    and supplies to the Canterbury region.

The company was established in 1976 and specialises in Digital Copiers - LaserPrinters - Faxes -
Scanning and Multifunction office equipment. Southern Business Machines Ltd (SBM) has grown to be one of Christchurch's largest privately owned and operated office equipment specialists.

The acquisition of a Canon dealership in January 2006 has seen SBM grow from being a mid-sized business to being a major player in the Canterbury region. With Canon's specialised products and support, we can offer that personal touch that only a local company can provide. 

In addition to this support, we can find a solution to your needs and help you with your hardware decisions whether you are purchasing, renting or hire purchasing through our in-house finance company - Mandeville Machine Rentals Chch Ltd.

Along with our major connection with Canon NZ Ltd, we have long-standing partnerships with other international technology leaders such as Ricoh, Brother and Hewlett Packard.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the best sales, service and supplies available to assist in the smooth running of their businesses.

From the outset, Southern Business Machines began and has continued to operate, as a wholly Canterbury owned independent company.

• In 1981, Southern Business Machines was able to bring to the South Island, Ricoh branded copiers and faxes, whereby laying down fruther foundations for future growth and development.
• In 1985, Southern Business Machines, in addition, became a Brother accredited agent, enabling it to sell, service and supply Brother products.
• In 1988, the then directors of Southern Business Machines created a company called Mandeville Machine Rentals. The conception of this company arose out of a growing demand for the renting, leasing and hire purchase of office equipment. Having an in-house finance company was to complement Southern Business Machines' rapidly expanding customer base.
• In 2006, Southern Business Machines aligned itself with the Canon brand as a dealer for the Canterbury region with full Canon NZ Ltd support and back-up.

Furthermore, the current directors, John Otte and Des Haines have been involved in the photocopier industry for thirty-two and twenty-one years respectively. With both having an extensive service and sales background, they can ensure a 'hands on' approach to office equipment in the Christchurch/Canterbury region.

Being privately owned and operated allows Southern Business Machines the freedom to form partnerships for supply, service and support with other noted international technology leaders in office equipment such as -

• Canon
• Ricoh
• Hewlett Packard
• Brother
• Oki
• Dictaphone

Southern Business Machines has a long standing reputation for excellent after sales, service, unparalleled in the Canterbury Region.

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