Penac
Penac is a brand of the Japanese OEM/ODM mechanical pencil and writing instrument manufacturer Kotobuki & Co. Ltd. The brand was founded in 1994 [1] and the name is an amalgamation of the words “pen” and “ace”.
To date Kotobuki has primarily tried to establish the Penac brand in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. For example PENAC Writing Instruments GmbH (P.W.I. GmbH) was established in Fürth, Germany in 1997, and in 1999 Kotobuki entered into an agreement with the Indian pen manufacturer Schefields[2] for them to sell Penac branded pens and mechanical pencils in India.
As one of the world’s leading OEM/ODM manufacturers of mechanical pencils and writing instruments, Kotobuki’s customers include many of the world’s leading international brands such as Staedtler, Faber-Castell, Papermate, BIC, Pentel and Uni. The establishment of Penac as an international brand has faced the usual difficulties of establishing a brand in the face of existing well entrenched competitors, as well as it being in competition with Kotobuki’s own major customers, and Penac has struggled to gain market share.
Notes and references[edit]
- ↑ Kotobuki & Co Ltd website states both 1994 and 1997 as founding dates of Penac
- ↑ http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/fe/daily/19990916/fco16030.html Schefields ties up with Kotobuki for Penac pens