New ownership leads the way for new opportunities

Cooper & Cooper, one of the country’s leading suppliers of mining, industrial, marine and engineering products and applications, has announced the securing of Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) following a private female ownership acquisition. Lifting Africa finds out more.

Women are increasingly taking their rightful place in sectors that in the past have been considered maledominated. It is no different at Cooper & CooperGroup which now boasts 100% black ownership thanks to its CEO Lorato Mogaki. A well-known name in the mining industry Mogaki brings to the fold nearly two decades of experience in senior and executive-level positions in the mining industry guiding the Group onto a new path. “The empowerment of women in business is imperative,” says Katiso Mogaki, CI Analyst at CooperGroup. “We are seeing a definite shift in business with a move away from the notion that some industries are more suitable for men.” “Women are proving that they are as capable as their male counterparts no matter what the industry or sector.” With the acquisition now forming the core of its business model, CooperGroup is already experiencing the change as they charter this new course while remaining a preferred supplier of the mining and engineering supply chain across the country. Previously only rating a BBBEE level 4 the change in ownership now boasts the business level 1 status. “This introduces a range of new opportunities,” says Mogaki. “It allows us access to new business opportunities that we previously would not have been able to bid on. It truly is an opportunity to grow our business.”

Heralding in a new era

Founded in 1897 as a grain merchant, the century-old CooperGroup has a rich and diverse history having evolved into a Motor Body Shop with the advent of the motor car, and establishing itself as one of the first-ever panel beaters in Johannesburg. The ability to identify gaps in the market has stood the business in good stead over the years and has seen it evolve time and time again. Nowadays a leading supplier of engineering, lifting and rigging equipment it is a business that has stood the test of time. It is also this same inherent ability to diversify and grab the opportunity that has seen CooperGroup transform itself once again in 2022. Managing director Llewellyn Jonosky says the company’s unique offering lies in the basket of products it offers. With the sole agency to distribute some of the leading international brands in the country and the African continent, the group has a wide range of engineering and marine products across its divisions. It has also established itself as a leading provider of lifting inspection services and has an

extensive maintenance and service department under its umbrella. Considered a one-stop shop for its customers there is a major benefit in dealing directly with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) not only for the product but also for the testing thereof and any servicing and maintenance required. “In the mining sector in particular we are seeing this trend developing with the sector increasingly more likely to deal with the OEM than a middleman that comes with an additional cost,” explains Jonosky. This is true not only for servicing and parts but also for inspections. “We are finding there is a real demand for inspections, especially in the mining sector that is moving away from employing their inspectors and doing their equipment testing.”

Going forward

Jonosky says with the new vision for the company following the Group’s acquisition growth is on the cards. This has seen the company employ additional staff. “In Johannesburg and Cape Town we have increased our staff numbers,” said Jonosky. The company has also recently opened an office in Rustenburg, an exciting development that is part of its growth strategy. It also has offices in Witbank, Secunda and Welkom. “Growing and diversifying our business is a top priority.” He says monthly targets are consistently being exceeded despite ongoing challenges in the mining sector highlighting that the Group’s diversification strategy is on course. “Mining will always be a core part of our business and we serve it well across a variety of commodities. We are leaders in the supply of chain, lever and electric hoists to the gold, platinum and coal mining sector.” According to Jonosky, the company takes pride in its reliable, safe and quality products and services. “We are committed to meeting not only the local standards but the highest legal and international industry standards.” Cooper Group has several accreditations including being an ISO9001-2015 Dekra-accredited company. It also has accreditations from the Department of Employment and Labour, regarding the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), as well as technical representation with various government departments and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

Cooper & Cooper Group, +27 (0) 11 493 4355

info@coopergroup.co.za, www.coopergroup.co.za

Head office:

Johannesburg: 27 Colyn road, Village deep, Johannesburg P. O. Box 57042, Springfield, 2137 Tel: 011 493 4355 info@coopergroup.co.za www.engineeringsupplies.co.za

Marine Equipment Supplies:

57 Salt River rd Salt River Cape Town, South Africa P.O. Box 476 Salt River 7925 Tel: 021 464 4100 infomes@coopergroup.co.za