Tactile Technologies will cement its presence in Gauteng with the opening of a branch at The Innovation Hub in Pretoria. This move will allow the touch-screen specialist to continue building its presence in the region.

Until now Tactile Technologies has traded its market-leading Elo TouchSystems products in Gauteng through Johannesburg-based distribution channel ScreenVision. This valued partnership will continue, with ScreenVision continuing to service the hardware of Tactile Technologies` clients.

Tactile Technologies managing director Mauro Mercuri said the new branch would enable the company to actively seek out new clients as well as continue to educate the business community regarding the benefits of touch technology. A further benefit of operating directly from its new Gauteng base is a significant decrease in the price of its products, by as much as 10% to 20%.

Mercuri also announced the appointment of Ernst Ohlhoff to head up the new branch. Ohlhoff has an intimate working knowledge of Tactile Technologies` products. Formerly the national IT manager for a restaurant franchise that uses the company`s touch-screen products, Ohlhoff was one of Tactile Technologies` longest standing clients.

"Ernst shares Tactile Technologies` principles of ethical and honest business practice," says Mercuri.

Since Mercuri began distributing Elo TouchSystems in southern Africa in 2002, Tactile Technologies has become the leading outlet for touch technology in the region. The company has now expanded to offer total solutions to its clients - meaning it not only provides the touch hardware but provides the kiosks or housings for this hardware as well as software which is tailored to the client`s needs.

More information on Tactile Technologies and Elo TouchSystems can be found on www.tactiletechnologies.co.za and www.elotouch.com.