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NEWS APPOINTMENT
Building a weatherproof business Robin Coen has recently been appointed as managing director for Matus. This is a new challenge for him to captain the company through the current tough economic times, but he is excited about the opportunities ahead.
R
obin Coen has spent the last 24 years
business to another level. Market conditions
is not an option
in similar institutions, including
at this time are not favourable, but there’s
because that
Saffer/WHD and Vaal Sanitaryware,
plenty of market opportunity for us. All our
will downsize
to mention a few.
products have been tried, tested and trusted
the business
by users. I accept new brands will continue to
as a whole. If
and qualified employee with the experience to
pop up in this market space. Many of which are
we can steer
keep Matus on its success course and make it
de-engineered, sacrificing quality with the
this business
even greater going forward.
result that they don’t last longer than six to
in the right
12 months before disappearing again. This can
manner, then
be particularly harmful for end users and the
we never have
low pricing is disruptive for solid, quality products.
to revert to
75 years and Matus is a respected partner in the
The market relies on us to bring stability to this
those options.
industry. Matus, indirectly and directly services
segment and we have a big responsibility of how
The industrial,
the industrial, construction, engineering,
we manage this and navigate the circumstances
mining and the
agricultural, retail DIY and mining sectors. It has
we are confronted with to assure quality at a
agricultural
a rich history of building relationships, building
reasonable price.
sector is under
Years of experience makes him a well-respected
For Robin, taking the reins at Matus was an easy decision. The Matus journey started in 1942. Fast forward
trust and growing the Matus brand.
The local economy as a whole is facing difficulties,
Robin Coen, newly appointed Matus MD.
severe pressure.
Matus is a wonderful company to work for
but this is also nothing new for Robin. “The market
While mining and industrial sectors are fighting
says Coen. “To take it on and be the custodian
conditions at this point are tough and I don’t think
their own battles, agriculture is also under immense
of the kind of legacy and heritage I inherited,
much will change in the near future. We are still
pressure from ongoing droughts.
is a big honour. It is a very powerful brand and
experiencing the snowball effect of the troubles
company. And added to it is the association of
of the past. It is one thing to predict things will be
profitable, the company has a huge responsibility
being proudly Bidvest.”
better this year, but it simply isn’t that easy.”
towards its staff and must attempt to ensure the
Robin Coen says he inherited a stable ship
To weather the difficult times is part of the job but
“It is important for Matus to keep being
employees can look after their families. Matus’
and is sure to build on it. “I think the structures
cutting down on the business is not an option says
success is its focus on quality products. Matus has
in the company are well poised to take the
Robin. “Downsizing business to weather the climate
a perfect balance of its own brands and those for which it has exclusive distribution rights, added to the other local brands that Matus wholesales. Robin says, “Having exclusive distribution rights on products doesn’t mean you can sit on your laurels. It takes constant hard work to ensure the owners of flagship brands, like Hikoki, see you as the right partner for their brand.” Apart from their own and exclusive brands, Matus is of the opinion it has a moral obligation to support local manufacturers wherever possible. Stocking a range of quality local products brings an exciting dynamic to the market. In conclusion, Robin is excited to be in the hot seat at Matus and confident of the future ahead. Matus has structures in place to ensure its ongoing success and plans to create jobs and grow the business further.
// THE MATUS JOURNEY STARTED IN 1942. FAST FORWARD 75 YEARS AND MATUS IS A RESPECTED PARTNER IN THE INDUSTRY //
MARCH 2020 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
