He added: "We have been especially impressed with Element IMF commercial manager Rachel Emerson's integrity and her on-going support with this relocation. Strongline is the most professional construction company that I have had the pleasure to work with. They are an extremely reactive and customer centric company, who have worked synergistically with Brother's architects, Lower Hutt-based Rowbotham and Boyd."
The project encompasses a 6000sq m warehouse, 1000sq m office and gym, 630sq m canopies and generous outdoor courtyard and amenities.
"We are building a highly specced office fit-out and warehouse designed to specifically suit Brother's racking incorporating significant costs associated with the new fire code," Ms Emerson said.
"It will be a complete turn-key project [constructed so that it could be sold to any buyer as a completed product]."
Element IMF won the contract after six months of negotiations. Ms Emerson said one of the key reasons for Brother's decision to move to Tauranga was the significant real-estate cost savings.
Brother commissioned Deloitte to evaluate all cities with ports throughout New Zealand. Deloitte recommended Tauranga for reasons that included access to the port, real estate and living costs, and seismic and tsunami risks in alternative locations.
Brother then considered its options in the Bay of Plenty and at this point Element IMF became involved.
Ms Emerson said that, as well as being a win for Tauriko Business Estate and for business in the region, Brother's presence in Tauranga would be an asset to the community.
"There is a culture within the company that you don't often see in large corporates. Their compassion and concern for their staff, in ensuring the relocation process is supportive and positive, has been paramount from day one."
Priority One chief executive Andrew Coker said Brother was "exactly the sort of company we wish to see establishing operations here".
"We are now seeing the pay-off from investment by our local authorities in areas such as roading, and by the private sector in supporting the building of our region's competitive advantages," he said.
"The Port of Tauranga is a massive draw card to businesses like Brother, and the very significant investment by the owners of the Tauriko Business Estate are examples of the sorts of advantages that high-growth companies are looking for."
Chamber chief executive Max Mason said Brother's relocation was significant.
"Firstly it's a huge international brand and others will be more inclined to follow. Secondly, their adviser Deloitte recommended Tauranga after an objective comparison of other cities, which is a very credible independent verification of Tauranga's qualities. And thirdly, we have beaten out Auckland as a more attractive business location, which says heaps."
The jobs and additional business generated would add to the community, he said: "Nothing succeeds like success, and Tauranga's reputation as the sweet spot of New Zealand continues to grow."
Mr Crosby said the relocation would be significant for Tauranga.
"It will signal to the international community that Tauranga is a place where you can do business effectively and efficiently."
The relocation could also be expected to bring in employment opportunities.
"And having people from an international company like Brother based in Tauranga will raise the capability and add value to our whole business network."
