JETSTREAM RETAIL ACTIVITY PUTS HANDWRITING TO THE TEST

Shoppers in 200 WHSmith stores across the UK will be offered an insight into their relationships and emotions thanks to a revealing graphology personality test commissioned by Mitsubishi Pencil Co.

Customers will be invited to trial the Jetstream roller ball pen, by writing a descriptive sentence about the qualities of the pen. In return the shopper will receive a fun handwriting analysis, which identifies character and personality traits. They will also have the opportunity to purchase pens from the range at specially discounted rates.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co. commented: “The art of graphology is a fascinating and intriguing science that we hope will captivate and amuse shoppers throughout the UK. We are thrilled to be working alongside WHSmith for this exciting and unique campaign.”

He continued: “The Jetstream is the perfect handwriting tool offering smooth, smudge-free writing thanks to its innovative uni super ink.”

Mitsubishi Pencil Co have selected innovative experiential agency VIA Brand Experience to design and deliver the unique engagement strategy following on from the successful Signo Scents ‘sketch and sniff’ national shopping centre tour in 2010.

For further information on Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

JUGGLER TOPS POLL OF OFFICE WORKERS

When it comes to the big top, most office workers compare themselves to the juggler, a survey has revealed.

35% of workers admitted they expertly juggled jobs and 4% identified with the fire breathing boss. Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s survey of 1,000 office workers also discovered that 26% of people often freed themselves from problematic situations and 15% towered above a huge schedule of jobs.

The survey was commissioned by the leading stationery firm at office* - a fresh, new event aimed at meeting the business needs and aspirations of the modern office professional.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co., said: “As our survey shows, offices across the UK feature a real mix of colourful characters. It’s these individuals who champion our range of writing instruments.

“By bringing the circus to life at office* we successfully celebrated the launch of the Jetstream 101. Our beautifully balanced ballpoint pen that contains a unique low-viscosity ink and delivers an incredibly smooth and light writing experience.”

For further information on Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO. SNIFF OUT WINNING RETAIL FORMULA

Mitsubishi Pencil Co. has undertaken one of its most successful retail activities to date in an effort to promote its latest range of writing instruments.

Throughout August, the leading pen brand carried out a national shopping centre tour to increase awareness and drive sales of its new scented ink gel pens – uni-ball Signo Scents.

From Manchester’s Trafford Centre to Bluewater in Kent, shoppers were invited to take part in ‘sketch and sniff’ activity by spinning a wheel of fortune painted with the bright colours of the smelly pens. Shoppers were then asked to scribble, sniff and guess the correct scent to receive a free pen sample along with a voucher that entitled them to a 50% discount off any Signo Scents purchase from WHSmith stores.

Managed by innovative experiential agency VIA, the activity also provided the firm with an opportunity to promote its national Signo Scents competition. Run exclusively online at www.signoscents.co.uk customers can win prizes such as a family trip to Florida, a Nintendo Wii and other home entertainment products by simply entering the pen’s 14 digit ID number.

“We generated intrigue and excitement amongst shoppers by engaging with them on a unique marketing platform,” said Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co. “By using bright and colourful promotional staff alongside an interactive promotional space, we created significant interest in Signo Scents that will undoubtedly strengthen our retail performance in 2010.

“The feedback received was overwhelming with people of all ages reminiscing about the scented pens from yesteryear. Today, thanks to our range of ten fruity and sweet smells, we’re pleased to say that writing has never smelt so good.”

For further information visit www.signoscents.co.uk, www.uniball.co.uk or call 01905 755043.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

CHILDREN VOTE WITH THEIR NOSES

Chocolate and baked treats have been voted the nation’s favourite canteen smell as children across the UK go back to school.

According to a survey carried out by leading pen brand uni-ball, the delicious tasting foods are a firm favourite with young starlets. The survey also revealed that children continued to turn up their noses to bad smells such as boiled cabbage, semolina and liver.

uni-ball carried out the survey amongst 200 children as it launched its Signo Scents range – ten brightly coloured gel pens available in fruity and sweet scents such as Pineapple Yellow, Coconut Brown and Bubblegum Pink.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball said: “The results of the survey confirmed that fruity and sweet smells remain the talk of the playground, underlining our decision to emulate them within the Signo Scents range.

“We now want children to design their own pongy pens of the future. It could be the smell of cheese and onion sandwiches, freshly cut grass, lavender or the salty sea air – you never know, the scent may even go into production and prove to be a best seller for us one day.”

The winning ‘suggest a smell’ design will receive a VIP trip for five to ZSL London Zoo, with special opportunities to get up-close and personal with some of the zoo’s smelliest animals. Five runners-up will also receive a special uni-ball goodie bag.

Entry forms can be requested by emailing scents@connect-group.com or by writing to the uni-ball press office, c/o Connect PR, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Closing date for entries is December 17, 2010.

For further information visit www.signoscents.co.uk or follow uni-ball on Facebook by becoming a fan of uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

TOP LYRECO AWARD FOR MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO. UK

Mitsubishi Pencil Co. UK has been awarded the coveted Lyreco European Logistics Award.

Judges praised the performance of the leading stationery brand and recognised the firm’s exceptional logistics below 35 SKUs in Europe.

Paul Phelan, managing director at MPC UK. said: “We are delighted to win this award for the second year running in recognition of having the best logistics performance in our category across Europe. This is a great achievement for everyone involved and puts us in a strong position looking ahead to the UK Lyreco Awards next month.”

To find out more about Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

A SCENT-SATIONAL NEW PRODUCT FROM UNI-BALL

Writing has never smelt so good thanks to a new range of scented gel pens.

Launched by the leading rollerball pen brand uni-ball, Signo Scents are available in ten fruity and sweet smells to liven up retail spaces across the UK.

Sold individually or in packs of three or five, the scented pens will soon become the talk of the playground as children collect them to write essays that stink and draw pictures that pong.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Company, said: “We are really excited to be announcing the arrival of uni-ball Signo Scents. We are confident that they will prove to be hugely popular thanks to the eye-catching packaging, point of sale materials and dedicated microsite we have created.

“We hope that by making the pens smell sweet and fruity, we can help develop the enjoyment of writing to further strengthen our foothold in the writing instruments market.”

Scents available include Strawberry Pink, Orangey Orange, Blueberry Blue, Pineapple Yellow, Coconut Brown, Cola Black, Soda Blue, Cherryade Red, Bubblegum Pink and Mint Green.

For further information on uni-ball visit www.signoscents.co.uk, www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

NOW THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT

One lucky office worker has become the envy of all her neighbours by winning an impressive new home entertainment system courtesy of uni-ball.

Annalisa Powell, an office manager at Application Solutions in Lewes, received the prize by winning the leading stationery firm's national ‘Style, Live & Entertain’ competition.

Running throughout 2009 the competition required office workers to send in barcodes from 12 pack uni-ball pens for the chance to win the top prize of £3,000 worth of home entertainment goods.

With a living room now resembling a deluxe cinema, the technological treats selected by Annalisa included a 50” LG plasma TV with surround sound, an iPod touch, a DVD recorder and Nintendo Wii.

“This is the first time I have won a competition and I am thrilled to receive such an amazing prize," commented Annalisa. "I'm a big fan of uni-ball pens, especially the Jetstream thanks to its smooth writing qualities and long lasting ink.

"I came across the competition on a box of Jetstream pens and thought I would give it a shot and enter; never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would win.”

Lyreco who hold the stationery account for Applications Solutions, said: “We are delighted that one of our dedicated customers is the winner of such a great competition commissioned by uni-ball. We want to say a big congratulations to Annalisa and hope that she has many entertaining evenings enjoying her prizes.”

To find out more about uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk

ARBROATH STUDENT PENS HERSELF A BIG SUCCESS STORY

A talented writer from Arbroath has penned herself a huge success story after an award winning children’s author judged her work as ‘perfect.’

Samantha McLaren, aged 16, received the high praise from author Michelle Harrison and has won a prestigious short story competition from leading pen manufacturer uni-ball.

The competition celebrated the importance of good handwriting skills. Budding young authors were given the chance to showcase their talents by continuing an introduction specially penned for the competition by Michelle.

Samantha, who beat scores of other students across the UK to win the accolade, now hopes to forge a lengthy literary career for herself on the back of her success. She said: “I am thrilled to have won this competition. It is an honour to be given such praise by a leading author.”

Samantha’s winning creation is an imaginative story about a man named Luke Buckley and the complicated situation he finds himself in after witnessing a murder.

Michelle, 2009 winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, said: “I think Samantha has the makings of a very talented writer. She fulfilled the brief perfectly and I was immediately hooked when her words took over. I stayed hooked throughout due to her ideas, her writing style, her language, everything. My only complaint is that now I want to know all about Luke Buckley!”

Samantha’s creativity was awarded with the prize of £150 Waterstone’s voucher, a signed copy of Michelle Harrison’s debut book ‘The Thirteen Treasures,’ and a bumper stationary pack.

Marketing Manager at uni-ball, Stuart Barker, said: “Congratulations to Samantha on winning the competition with this story. Her entry clearly showed that she has a real talent for writing and we hope she uses her new stationery to pen many more imaginative tales.”

To find out more about uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

TOP QUALITY PROMOTIONAL GIFTS FROM UNI-BALL

Companies looking for promotional or corporate gifts can now have their name, logo or corporate message printed onto a range of revolutionary writing instruments.

uni-ball, the leading brand in the UK rollerball market, offers many desirable pens that can be overprinted with personal branding or supplied as plain stock for your own printing purposes.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball, said: “The desk appeal of our writing instruments mean your customers and suppliers will want to hold on to them – keeping your name and message close to them at all times.

”The key reason being that our products feature uni Super Ink – a unique pigment ink that is light, water and bleach resistant and will not fade over time.”

Products offered for overprint, or supplied plain for customers’ own printing, include the uni Grip, Powertank, Gelstick and Jetstream as well as the Kuru Toga pencil, Click BP and Click Gel. Screen printing is offered in an unlimited range of colours.

For further information on uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST DESK DRAWER MESS

A leading stationery brand is urging home and office workers to get in touch if their top desk drawer looks more like a war zone than a picture of perfection.

uni-ball, the makers of revolutionary writing instruments, are calling upon untidy workers to take action by sending in photographs of their organised mess.

From those entries that are shortlisted, the worst offender will be treated to a ‘Kim and Aggie’ style makeover and will win a drawer full of the latest office stationery.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball said: “Scraps of food, old cables and the odd gadget or two make for a messy top drawer. We want to lend a hand to office workers and encourage them to take pride in their desk drawer. By asking workers to photograph their mess we are hoping this will change habits and de-clutter the workplace.”

Each office worker who is brave enough to send in a photograph to deskdrawer@connect-group.com will receive a Jetstream pen. This super smooth writing instrument is smudge-free, making it ideal for those who want to add clarity to their handwriting.

For further information on uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF UNI SUPER INK

A new microsite that delves into the heroic world of uni Super Ink has been launched by Mitsubishi Pencil Co. UK.

www.unisuperpens.co.uk reveals a range of writing instruments that draw strength from the incredible powers that make up the unique pigment ink.

Visitors will be able to learn about the many benefits of uni Super Ink including its incredible drying ability, vivid colours that radiate, super speed, prevailing security and fade resistant ink to ensure the art of handwriting will always remain alive.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager for Mitsubishi Pencil Co. UK, said: “uni Super Ink has rapidly proven to be a global phenomenon amongst pen enthusiasts. As a result, we wanted to create a site that shared in its wonderful world.

“Users will find videos, blogs and tweets at their fingertips as well as individual product pages on each of our super pens. Parents and children will also find our back to school survival guides of particular interest as they prepare to start a new school term.”

To find out more about Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk or the newly launched www.unisuperpens.co.uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.