National IT distributor Comworth has been named the exclusive distributor of Panasonic’s Toughbook range of ‘ruggedised’ notebooks, in the latest step in a two-year relationship between the companies.

Comworth took over the service and warranty centre for Panasonic Toughbooks just last year, and will now be handling all stock management, servicing and sales for the sub-brand, with Panasonic to maintain just ‘a small core of product expertise’.

According to Comworth general manager Mark Charlesworth, the deal will allow the company to take advantage of forecasted growth in the niche market, coming from government, councils, utilities, infrastructure, logistics and general business.

"We now hold a unique position in the marketplace,” Charlesworth says.

"Panasonic is a key foundation for Comworth, and we see this development as the next step in growing and securing our place as the rugged mobility distributor of choice for New Zealand.”

Comworth has over 100 resellers in the rugged mobility space, and also offers a large range of printing products.

Darryn Smith has been appointed as business development manager to bolster the rugged mobility team, and will be looking for reseller partners who are keen to add rugged mobility products to their portfolios.