Harman Distributes Paterson Film Products

31/03/08

HARMAN TECHNOLOGY TO DISTRIBUTE PATERSON PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS

Leading photo-imaging business will help reputed provider of darkroom equipment with worldwide product distribution.

HARMAN technology Limited has once again shown the strength of its long term commitment to the global analogue photography market. Through its respected monochrome brand - ILFORD PHOTO - the company has already launched a campaign to ‘Defend the Darkroom’, which aims to safeguard the future of darkrooms and associated techniques, whilst showing how analogue and digital photography can co-exist. Now the UK-based photo-imaging specialist has announced it is to build on this by assisting a respected provider of darkroom equipment with its international distribution.

In a landmark agreement, HARMAN technology will use its established export channels to make it easier than ever for photographers and enthusiasts throughout the world to access the Paterson Photographic range of products. These products, which include everything from tongs to spiral tanks and enlargers, have built up a significant following both in the UK and US. By establishing a trading relationship with HARMAN, Paterson now hopes to emulate this success on a truly global scale.

Perhaps most notably, HARMAN will now take over the distribution of Paterson’s three speciality liquid film developers which are noted for their excellent performance, especially excellent image sharpness. Due to be offered in a handy 500ml size instead of the current 1litre bottles, these developers give extra sharp detail in silver gelatine images and were formulated by Geoffrey Crawley – a renowned expert in the science of photography.

The move also brings together two manufacturers with substantial synergy. Through its ILFORD PHOTO brand of black and white films, real photo baryta papers and photochemistry, HARMAN already serves many of the same customers as Paterson. As such, the partnership is a natural one which will also give distributors the convenience of sourcing much of their analogue photography products from a single source.

Speaking of the new partnership, Richard Perry, Managing Director of Paterson Photographic said: “Paterson Photographic and HARMAN have built up a good relationship over the years through our work serving the same customer base. Considering this, and our mutual passion for analogue photography, it makes sense for us to join forces. The move will strengthen and widen our distribution network, whilst offering photographers the benefits of increased product choice and availability.”

His views were echoed by HARMAN technology Marketing Director, Howard Hopwood who commented: “In an increasingly digital age, HARMAN technology’s new partnership with Paterson Photographic can reassure people that it will always be easy to buy analogue photography and darkroom products – especially when some might believe that affordability or stability of supply can be issues.

“By working together, we will also be even better placed to support important darkroom markets, like the education sector, and to offer exciting joint initiatives.

“An example of this will be our Back to School promotion taking place in 2008. Designed to coincide with the start of the new academic year, it will offer students the chance to purchase a Paterson spiral tank with a free roll of ILFORD PHOTO film at a discounted price. Plus this is just the beginning. Other joint promotional campaigns and even product developments are already planned for the future.”

The new distribution arrangement (which excludes the UK and a limited number of other territories where Paterson will continue to distribute its products as normal) comes into effect for all markets bar the United States from 1st April 2008. The US meanwhile will enjoy all the benefits of the new partnership from 4th June 2008. WYNIT INC, the HARMAN technology distributor will become the exclusive distributor of Paterson photo products for the USA.

For more information on HARMAN technology and its brands, visit:
http://www.harmantechnology.com

For more information on Paterson Photographic, visit: http://www.patersonphotographic.com

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