TOSHIBA SA: Technology, Tailored: Toshiba SA Offers Smarter, Simpler Ownership

In the modern office, where efficiency and economy must align perfectly, accessing the right technology isn’t as easy as it sounds. Budgets are stretched, products change rapidly, and long-term commitment to equipment can feel more like a risk than an investment

Particularly in South Africa, where the cost of importing the best technology remains high and financing is hard to come by, businesses often face the paradox of knowing what they need but not being able to secure it. 

That’s where Copy Type Electronics – trading as Toshiba South Africa – steps in. As the country’s sole importer and distributor of Toshiba and Duplo multifunctional printers and duplicators, the company has spent the past 50 years building a reputation for quality, trust, and adaptability. Today, it leads from the front in offering new ways to own and operate office tech, making Toshiba an accessible brand in a competitive and complex marketplace.

EXPERIENCE AND EVOLUTION 

Headquartered in Johannesburg and employing around 110 people, Copy Type achieved multimillion Rand turnover in the previous financial year. Managing Executive Jayson Mac Gregor joined the company thirty-three years ago as a sales consultant, subsequently moved into a managerial role as managing executive nine years ago, and has overseen a transformative period. 

“We have had a growth of profit margins within the business of around 300% in the last nine years,” he confirms. And much of that success comes from a strategy that embraces change. 

“Our products continually change to keep abreast of technology and client needs. This month, we are launching a new A4 mono machine. Our product range is fast changing as we seek to constantly keep up with demand from our clients,” Mac Gregor explains. 

The A4 mono machine and the Duplo DP-G300 are just two recent examples of how Copy Type continues to refresh its portfolio, meeting the specific needs of South African businesses. But product is only part of the picture. Behind the scenes, the company is also investing in the way its clients access these machines. 

NEW FINANCING MODELS

In a sector often weighed down by rigid, long-term rental contracts, Copy Type has introduced one of its most significant market differentiators: flexible, month-to-month financing for new equipment. 

“Typically, a rental contract is based between 12 and 60 months – and we do offer that facility – but we now also offer a monthly facility for new equipment and our rivals do not do this at all,” says Mac Gregor. 

This seemingly simple innovation has massive impact, especially for the SME market where cashflow is tight and agility is key. The offering puts world-class Toshiba equipment within reach of a much wider audience, without locking customers into long-term contracts that can become a burden when change is needed.

Crucially, Copy Type has the infrastructure to back this up internally. “We also have a financial institution in the company that handles the finance and rentals of the products,” Mac Gregor says. 

This level of vertical integration is rare in the market, and it’s a key reason why Copy Type has been able to move faster and offer more tailored financial solutions than its competitors. 

STRATEGIC STRENGTH 

Another standout strength is ownership. In a space dominated by large corporates, Copy Type’s internal structure fosters real accountability and responsiveness. 

“We have a management team of four people and that includes three Managing Executives and a Sales Director in the company. That was a change in our industry as typically the Directors would be involved in the day-to-day decision making in the business,” says Mac Gregor. 

This lean, shareholder-driven model allows the company to pivot quickly and focus on growth. That growth is supported by a collaborative relationship with Toshiba, and an in-house IT team that ensures services stay agile and relevant.

“We handle IT internally, and we work very closely with Toshiba,” adds Mac Gregor. 

“Through Covid, like everybody, we cleaned up and strengthened the company for the long-term. That was a tough period, and probably the largest challenge we have had to overcome as a business.” 

Toshiba’s printers are globally recognised not just for their durability, but also for their innovation and sustainability. As a brand synonymous with precision Japanese engineering, Toshiba continues to push boundaries in document management technology. From energy-efficient designs that help reduce environmental impact, to intuitive user interfaces and powerful cloud connectivity features, the company’s machines are built for the evolving demands of a modern, hybrid workplace. It’s this balance of reliability and adaptability that makes Toshiba a top choice for businesses around the world, whether managing small office tasks or complex, high-volume workflows. 

EDUCATING THE MARKET 

Still, challenges remain. Chief among them is educating end users on the real value of quality tech. The temptation to cut corners or ignore the finer details of cost-per-page or machine lifespan can lead buyers down an expensive path. 

“We need to educate the market on the products. I would love to see end users doing their homework on the product, what it can produce, and how reliable it is,” says Mac Gregor.

It’s not just sales talk. Toshiba’s reputation for robust, long-lasting machines is proven worldwide. “Every piece of our equipment is distributed around the world, but they are Japanese at heart,” Mac Gregor adds.

When buyers take the time to understand what they’re purchasing, the cost-of-ownership equation often flips, revealing the long-term savings and performance that justify the initial investment. And with Copy Type’s new rental models, even that initial investment doesn’t have to be daunting. 

SHAPING THE FUTURE 

Looking forward, Mac Gregor is clear-minded about the future of the industry and the business’s place in it. 

“Many suspect that the photocopier industry is dying and the market is falling. Sometimes stats suggest that units sold annually across different styles have increased but we can see that the market is slowing,” he says. 

The focus, he believes, must shift toward IT and software solutions that deliver greater integration and intelligence. That’s why Copy Type is pushing to develop sustainable annuity income models that can support the business as the hardware landscape evolves.

“The future in this industry is on the IT side of things including the software solutions that you can offer to clients. I believe that if we get the annuity managed to the point we want then we will stabilise the company for the next 30 years,” he concludes.

As South African businesses continue to seek ways to operate smarter and leaner, Copy Type is perfectly placed to meet that demand. With a refreshed product line, smarter financing options, and a long-term strategic mindset, Toshiba South Africa is making business technology more accessible than ever before.