What Fellowes Beswick does

Fellowes Beswick Pty Ltd is a privately owned South African family business founded in 1976 that imports, distributes, and converts branded office products and print finishing solutions across Southern and Eastern Africa. The company operates two divisions: Office Products (Fellowes shredders, laminators, binders, ergonomic workspace solutions, Bankers Box storage, Aeramax air purifiers, Kangaro staplers, Kores stationery, POSCA paint markers, Uni writing instruments, PrivaScreen privacy filters) and Print Finishing (machinery and consumables for digital converting, perforating, creasing, binding, laminating, cutting, and shredding). It holds exclusive distribution rights for more than a dozen international brands including Fellowes, Kangaro, Kores, Tecnau, Komfi, EBA, James Burn International, Smyth, RIGO, Powis Parker, Vivid, Graphic Wizard, and Sky, alongside its own Stellar private-label brand launched in 2020. The company also makes BOPP/PET film conversion and custom calendar rimming available in-house through its high-speed slitter and quality control operations.

Fellowes Beswick serves corporate offices, commercial and digital print shops, schools and educational institutions, and legal/medical practices through a direct sales model using its own Johannesburg branch network and fleet, supplemented by dealer and distributor channels in other regional markets. It operates a headquarters and two warehouse/distribution facilities in Johannesburg, employs over 80 staff, and runs account registration with credit facilities and a cash-on-delivery option. Pricing is quote-based, ranging from entry-level Skylam laminators at approximately R90,000–R150,000 to industrial Komfi Sagitta/Sirius systems at R1 million and above. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales, consumables (films, binding supplies, calendar rims), and post-sale warranty, repair, and maintenance services.

In January 2022 the company acquired Ronnie Cox Graphic Supplies to broaden its Print Finishing Division, and continues to expand its portfolio with launches such as the Bankers Box Top Retrieval Files added in April 2025. The company maintains its family ownership structure, has no external investors or parent entity, and is actively pursuing a vision of becoming the leading supplier of branded office, stationery, and print finishing products across Southern and Eastern Africa.

Name

Fellowes Beswick

Legal name

Fellowes-Beswick (Pty) Ltd

Website

https://fellowesza.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Fellowes Beswick is a South African family-owned distributor founded in 1976 that imports and distributes branded office products and print finishing equipment across Southern and Eastern Africa, exclusively representing international brands and its own Stellar private-label brand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Office Products & Print Finishing Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42412), Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (42342)

SIC

Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040), Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Office Supplies Wholesale Distribution (CRAOALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Office Technology & Consumables Distribution (Printer Supplies, Toner, Paper) (CRAOALAG), Paper & Printing Grades Distribution (Printing/Writing, Newsprint, Specialty) (IMAMAIAF)

Keywords

• Office products distribution
• Print finishing equipment
• Laminating and binding supplies
• Document storage solutions
• Ergonomic workspace products

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Branded Office Products: Sale of branded office products including shredders, laminators, binders, trimmers, guillotines, ergonomic furniture accessories, stationery, and storage/organisation products. Products are sourced from international brands and distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa.
2. Print Finishing Equipment and Consumables: Sale and distribution of print finishing machinery (laminators, binders, cutters, perforators, creasers, collators, paper drills, shredders) and associated consumables (films, calendar rims, binding coils, staples) to print shops and commercial printers.
3. Lamination and Binding Consumables: Conversion and supply of specialised consumables including BOPP films (gloss, matt, velvet soft-touch, scuff-free), PET films, thermal binding covers, spiral/coil binding supplies, and calendar rims in metal (gold and silver) and custom-cut sizes.
4. Warranty and Support Services: Post-sale support including warranty services, repair call-outs, and maintenance. Products are guaranteed according to manufacturer-specific warranties, with a dedicated service department for print finishing equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Fellowes Beswick imports, distributes, and sells branded office products (shredders, laminators, binders, trimmers, ergonomic workspace solutions, stationery, and storage) and print finishing equipment and consumables (laminators, binders, cutters, perforators, creasers, collators, paper drills, shredders, films, binding supplies, and calendar rims) across Southern and Eastern Africa. It operates two divisions — Office Products and Print Finishing — and holds exclusive regional distribution rights for multiple international brands while also marketing its own Stellar private-label range.

Product overview

Fellowes Beswick is a distributor and converter of office products and print finishing solutions in Southern and Eastern Africa, operating since 1976. The company offers two main divisions: Office Products (shredders, laminators, binders, ergonomic workspace solutions, stationery, and storage solutions) and Print Finishing (machinery and consumables for perforation, creasing, folding, binding, lamination, cutting, and shredding). The portfolio combines Fellowes branded products with exclusive distributed brands including Tecnau (paper handling), Ausjetech (print finishing equipment), Stellar (private-label brand), Komfi (laminators), Sky (laminators and films), EBA (guillotines and shredders), James Burn International (binding), Smyth (sewing), RIGO (bookbinding), Powis Parker (binding), Vivid (laminating), and Graphic Wizard (print finishing). The company also distributes Bankers Box storage solutions and offers comprehensive after-sales service, installation, training, and support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fellowes Shredders Desk-side, office, and automatic shredders offering jam-proof, quiet, and fast performance for document security and data protection in offices and print finishing operations.
• Fellowes Laminators Laminating machines from light-use compact models to frequent-use professional units for preserving and protecting documents, photos, and presentation materials in offices.
• Fellowes Binders Binding machines for comb, wire, and thermal binding used to create professional, durable documents.
• Fellowes Trimmers & Guillotines Precision cutting tools for straight, clean cuts through paper stacks for various print finishing applications.
• Bankers Box System Series Storage Solutions Modular storage system including Archive Box, File Stowaway 5 and 6 Bay, Storage Box and Desktop Sorter, designed for every stage of document life from active filing to long-term archive storage.
• Bankers Box Top Retrieval Files Vertical document storage boxes designed for high-efficiency retrieval, allowing easy top access to frequently referred documents.
• Fellowes Zone Ergonomic Products Workspace ergonomics solutions including monitor arms, laptop supports, wrist supports, back supports, foot supports, and sit-stand workstations across four ergonomic zones.
• Aeramax Air Purifiers Personal and shared space air purifiers for improved indoor air quality in office environments.
• Kangaro Staplers & Punches Office staplers and punches including the Kangaro Less Effort range, which reduces the force needed to staple sheets by up to 55% and uses Flat Clinch Technology to save up to 30% filing space.
• Kores Stationery Stationery products including permanent markers with 10-day cap-off technology, carbon paper, tattoo paper, lint rollers, and art supplies.
• POSCA Paint Markers Water-based paint markers in 11 product variants with 10 tip sizes and 7 unique shapes for creative and artistic applications.
• Uni Writing Instruments Premium writing instruments including rollerball pens, gel roller pens, ballpoint pens, fine liners, and mechanical clutch pencils.
• Komfi Industrial Laminators Czech-manufactured precision-engineered laminators (including Sagitta and Sirius systems) for commercial and industrial environments with high-speed output and inline integration with digital presses. Mid-range models start from approximately R450K with industrial systems reaching R1 million and above.
• Stellar Private-Label Print Finishing Equipment Fellowes Beswick's exclusive in-house Stellar brand provides cost-effective, reliable print finishing products including the NB600 automatic rimming system (up to 20,000 edges per 8-hour shift) and CRS620 commercial rimming machine (up to 380 products per hour), plus paper drills, collators, and consumables for Southern and East Africa.
• Print Finishing Consumables (Films, Binding Supplies, Calendar Rims) Converted and supplied consumables including BOPP films (gloss, matt, velvet soft-touch, scuff-free), PET films, thermal binding covers, spiral/coil binding supplies, and calendar rims in metal (gold and silver) cut to custom sizes via the in-house high-speed slitter.
• Print Finishing After-Sales Service Manufacturer-backed warranty service, repair call-outs, installation, training, and maintenance delivered by Fellowes Beswick's dedicated service department for the Print Finishing Division.

Quantifiable outcome

• Kangaro Less Effort staplers reduce force needed to staple sheets by up to 55%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ronnie Cox Graphic SuppliescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022In January 2022, Fellowes Beswick acquired Ronnie Cox Graphic Supplies, significantly expanding its Print Finishing Division. The acquisition reinforced the company's investment in print finishing solutions and broadened the combined product portfolio for the print and related industries.
• FellowescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFellowes Beswick is the exclusive distributor of Fellowes branded office products including shredders, laminators, binders, ergonomic workspace products, and IT accessories across South Africa and Southern/Eastern Africa. Fellowes is a globally recognised brand in office products.
• KangarocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFellowes Beswick distributes Kangaro branded staplers and punches, including the Less Effort range, across South Africa. Kangaro is a recognised brand for office stationery and stapling solutions.
• KorescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFellowes Beswick distributes Kores branded stationery including permanent markers, POSCA paint markers, carbon paper, tattoo paper, lint rollers, and general stationery across South Africa.
• DjoisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFellowes Beswick distributes Djois branded products as part of its portfolio of branded office and stationery products across South Africa.
• TecnaucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTecnau is a multinational corporation providing paper handling, monitoring, processing and finishing solutions for the digital printing industry. Fellowes Beswick represents Tecnau products across Southern and Eastern Africa, covering applications including Transactional Printing, Direct Mail, Publishing, and Short Runs.
• AusjetechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAusjetech is an industry-leading manufacturer of print finishing equipment including creasing/perforating machines, folding systems, booklet makers, perfect binders, laminate/cut/slit machines, corner rounding, and card cutting equipment. Fellowes Beswick distributes Ausjetech products regionally.
• KomficoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKomfi (based in the Czech Republic) is a world-class manufacturer of precision-engineered laminators for commercial and industrial environments, including the Sagitta and Sirius industrial systems. Fellowes Beswick exclusively distributes Komfi across Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Sky (SKY-DSB)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSKY-DSB is a Korean worldwide supplier of professional pouch laminators, digital roll laminators, and films with 25+ years of production experience. Fellowes Beswick distributes Sky and WiAIR branded products across its markets.
• EBAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEBA is a German manufacturer of guillotines and industrial shredders, conceived and produced exclusively in Germany (Balingen). Fellowes Beswick distributes EBA equipment, which features near-90% vertical range of manufacture and 100+ years in business.
• James Burn International (JBI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJames Burn International is a world-renowned manufacturer of loose leaf and signature punching and wire binding solutions, headquartered in Normandy, France with over 100 years of experience. Fellowes Beswick distributes JBI products across the region.
• SmythcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmyth is the inventor of thread book sewing, established in 1879, providing thread book sewing machines, gathering machines, gluing and sewing lines, case-makers, and finishing solutions. Fellowes Beswick distributes Smyth products across Southern and Eastern Africa.
• RIGO Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRIGO Ltd. is a family-owned Hungarian company specialising in metalworking and patented bookbinding machine manufacturing, with global distribution. Fellowes Beswick represents RIGO products in its distribution network.
• Powis ParkerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPowis Parker Inc. (based in the USA) has dedicated 30+ years to binding solutions, with the Fastback line for document binding, perfect binding, and book binding. Fellowes Beswick distributes Powis Parker products regionally.
• VividminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVivid has been creating cutting-edge laminating and print-finishing equipment since 1986, empowering customers to produce premium print finishes at competitive prices. Fellowes Beswick distributes Vivid products in the region.
• Graphic WizardminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGraphic Wizard is a North American manufacturer of print finishing equipment including slit/cut/score machines, creasers, UV coaters, perfect binders, folders, and feeders. Fellowes Beswick distributes Graphic Wizard products internationally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Molesworth Group: The Molesworth Group is a South African distributor of office and educational supplies. It is comparable as a regional B2B office supplies distributor serving corporates, schools and government with overlapping product categories.
• Standard Finishing Systems: Standard Finishing Systems is the North American distribution arm of Standard Horizon, supplying print finishing equipment (saddlestitchers, perfect binders, folders, cutters) to commercial printers. It is comparable to Fellowes Beswick's Print Finishing Division in business model and product category.
• Plockmatic International: Plockmatic International is a Swedish-founded global supplier of print finishing equipment (booklet making, perfect binding, creasing, folding). It is comparable because it sells and supports branded industrial print finishing machines through regional distribution channels to commercial printers — the same go-to-market model Fellowes Beswick uses in Southern Africa.
• Bidvest Office: Bidvest Office is the largest office supplies and stationery distributor in South Africa (incorporating the legacy Waltons business). It is the most directly comparable peer in the same regional market, serving corporates, schools and government with a similar branded office product portfolio.
• Waltons: Waltons is a long-standing South African stationery and office supplies brand (now operated under Bidvest Office). It competes with Fellowes Beswick on branded stationery, paper products and office consumables across the same corporate and education customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Standard Horizon (Horizon International): Standard Horizon is the Japanese parent of Standard Finishing Systems and a global manufacturer-distributor of bindery and print finishing equipment. It is comparable as a larger, established player in the same industrial print finishing category in which Fellowes Beswick competes via brands such as Komfi, JBI and Smyth.
• ACCO Brands: ACCO Brands is a global manufacturer of branded office products and the parent company of the Fellowes brand — the marquee brand Fellowes Beswick distributes in Southern Africa. It is comparable as the upstream global incumbent whose brand portfolio Fellowes Beswick depends on.
• Avery Products: Avery Products is a global manufacturer of office and labelling supplies (labels, binders, organisation products). It is comparable as an upstream branded office supplies manufacturer whose products overlap with Fellowes Beswick's office products portfolio.
• Lyreco: Lyreco is a leading European-headquartered B2B distributor of office supplies, workplace and print consumables across multiple continents. It is comparable as a much larger, established player in the same broad category of branded office product distribution that Fellowes Beswick operates in.
• The ODP Corporation (Office Depot): The ODP Corporation (parent of Office Depot) is a large global distributor and retailer of office supplies, technology and print finishing. It is comparable as a much larger, established B2B and B2C office products distributor serving overlapping customer segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fellowes Beswick