Brother Philippines celebrates 25 years of empowering SMEs, boosting Filipino productivity

Brother International Philippines Corporation is marking its 25th anniversary in the Philippine market, highlighting a legacy of innovation, creativity, and strong support for Filipino entrepreneurs and consumers.

Since entering the country in 2000, the company has grown from a modest operation into a multibillion-peso enterprise. Early on, it recorded more than ₱65 million in sales and steadily expanded its footprint from Cebu to a nationwide network that now spans key cities including Davao, Naga, Pampanga, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga, along with several concept stores in major malls.

Over the years, Brother Philippines has diversified its offerings, providing printers, labelers, and sewing machines, as well as advanced solutions such as Wi-Fi-enabled embroidery machines, cutting and craft machines, and the PureDrive spot cooler.

A key milestone came in 2014 with the appointment of Glenn Hocson as the company’s first Filipino president, strengthening its alignment with local market needs while contributing to the global Brother network’s continued growth.

“Brother’s 25th year in the Philippines is not just a celebration of our growth, but a testament to the trust Filipinos have placed in us,” Hocson said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. He added that beyond technology, Brother aims to provide practical solutions that help individuals and businesses achieve their goals.

Driving SME growth

Brother Philippines has played a significant role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly through initiatives like the PR Machine Embroidery Caravan launched in 2012. The program provides training and hands-on guidance for entrepreneurs entering the custom embroidery business.

Among the success stories is entrepreneur Niño Palao, who expanded his garments business into a thriving embroidery venture using Brother machines to produce customized apparel such as uniforms, sportswear, and jackets.

Another business owner, Melanie Lim-Magboo, credited Brother’s embroidery technology for enabling product customization and business expansion, citing its reliability and strong after-sales support.

The company’s impact on entrepreneurship earned it the Social Empowerment Award at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards in 2014.

Sustainability and community efforts

Beyond business, Brother Philippines continues to champion sustainability and community development. Its Green Project, launched in 2007, promotes responsible recycling and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on responsible consumption and climate action.

The company also conducts annual coastal cleanups in Batangas and has participated in mangrove reforestation efforts, including planting 1,200 mangrove propagules in San Juan, Batangas in 2025.

In education, Brother Philippines has maintained over a decade-long partnership with Iñigan Elementary School in Rizal, providing school supplies, technology, and infrastructure support such as solar panels and improved water systems. During the pandemic, it also donated printers and learning kits to support distance education.

Looking ahead

As it moves beyond its 25-year milestone, Brother Philippines aims to continue innovating its product lineup to meet evolving consumer needs. Recent developments include high-efficiency printers, sublimation solutions for SMEs, and integration with the Artspira App for wireless design.

Its Professional Embroidery (PR Series) machines now feature wireless connectivity, built-in designs, and enhanced controls, while subscription-based services like Toner Management and Print Box offer added convenience for users.

The company has also expanded into eco-friendly cooling solutions with the launch of its PureDrive spot cooler, designed for tight and high-temperature environments.

Hocson said the company remains committed to innovation that improves everyday life. “We are in the business of providing reliable products and solutions, and for the next 25 years, we will continue to champion innovation in everything we do,” he said.

Brother Philippines is part of the regional network under Brother International Singapore Pte. Ltd., which oversees operations across Southeast Asia. The global Brother Group continues to focus on office equipment, industrial sewing machines, and electronics, while advancing sustainability and community initiatives worldwide.