Throwback to the 1990 Lanier Dealer Conference at Chateau Impney

In the world of office technology, few names have had as interesting a journey as Lanier. Once a major player in the copier and document solutions market, Lanier’s story spans decades of innovation, partnerships, and industry influence. At Mastercopy, we were part of this journey, and one particular memory stands out – the 1990 Lanier United Kingdom Dealer Conference at the historic Chateau Impney in Worcestershire.

The Chateau Impney Connection

The grand setting of Chateau Impney, with its stunning French-inspired architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for the 1990 conference. This iconic venue has a history as rich as the office technology brands it has hosted – a fitting location for an event that brought together some of the most forward-thinking dealerships in the UK, including Mastercopy.

Lanier’s Legacy

Lanier’s roots date back to a collaboration with 3M in the mid-20th century, distributing pioneering office products like the “Thermofax” copier. In the 1980s, Lanier merged with Harris Corporation, becoming Harris/3M – a joint venture that expanded its reach across the document solutions market. By 1989, Harris had bought out 3M’s stake, establishing Lanier Worldwide, Inc. as a standalone brand.

During its peak, Lanier boasted a vast dealer network, with over 1,600 sales and service locations worldwide, and was known for innovative solutions, including some of the earliest all-in-one printer/fax/copier machines and managed print services. However, despite its pioneering efforts, Lanier eventually disappeared from the market after being acquired in 2001, its legacy living on in the brands that followed.

Mastercopy’s Role

As part of this dealer network, Mastercopy played a vital role in bringing these cutting-edge solutions to businesses across the UK. The 1990 conference was not just a business event but a chance to connect, share ideas, and celebrate successes with like-minded peers in the industry.

A Look Back with Pride

For us, this photo captures a moment in time – a reminder of the friendships, partnerships, and shared goals that helped shape the office technology landscape. Today, as we continue to innovate with solutions like Docflow, we remain proud of our roots and the journey that brought us here.

Thanks for joining us on this trip down memory lane. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Lanier and how Mastercopy has evolved over the years, check out our latest blog posts and updates.