Metro, known for Ortem fans, would carry out distribution and sales of Brother's selected home sewing machine under the brand name of Brother-Ortem, Metro Appliances managing director Rummy Chhabria said.

As per the tie-up, Brother would introduce three models of its sewing machines with latest features in the Indian market. The company would launch a few more models after gauging the response.

The feasibility study of the sewing machine market in India has found that it was growing and there was enough space for the Japanese brand to compete with the already established names like Usha, Iwata said.

Chhabra said the company would import the machines from Brother's factory in Taiwan and sell them through its vast dealer network in the country.

He said the company planned to sell 3,600 Brother machines in the first year and capture a good share of Indian market through its dealer network which currently has a strength of 25 and is expected to cross 100 by March.

However, Metro Appliances will not stop manufacturing its black sewing machines which are being sold under the Ortem brand name.

``The manufacturing of Ortem black sewing machines will continue and the introduction of Brother will only add to our shelf,'' Chhabra said.

The Brother-Ortem sewing machines would be priced competitively and would target the premium segment with a price range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000, Iwata said adding schemes would be introduced during the festive season to make it affordable for the middle-class people.

Brother hopes to garner a 25 per cent market share in the 12,000 units per year market in the country, he said.

In order to take over market leader Usha, Metro is planning many marketing and promotional activities during the festive season.