1897
The trading business begins
George Cooper established Cooper & Co’s trading operation in Johannesburg, initially supplying horses and mules required by mines and other customers.
ABOUT ENGINEERING SUPPLIES
Practical industrial support, built around the application
Engineering Supplies is a division of Cooper & Cooper, operated under the Engineering Supplies trading name. We supply lifting and industrial equipment with practical technical support where the application requires it.
THE BUSINESS TODAY
Equipment and support for working industry
Engineering Supplies helps procurement teams, maintenance managers and technical personnel identify suitable lifting and industrial equipment, compare technical information and request a quote. Our national footprint provides a direct route to practical assistance.
OUR STORY
From practical beginnings to industrial supply
The Cooper & Cooper story begins with George Cooper, a Scottish stonemason who arrived in South Africa around 1890. After working on early railway infrastructure between Ladysmith and Estcourt, he moved to Johannesburg as the city and its mining economy were taking shape.
In 1897, he established the trading operation that became Cooper & Co. What began with the supply of horses and mules to mines and other customers grew and adapted as South African industry changed. Over time, the business moved into manufacturing, mining materials and specialist industrial products.
That willingness to understand practical needs and adapt to changing industries became a recurring feature of the company’s development.
MORE THAN A CENTURY OF INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION
A business that evolved with industry
From roots established in 1897, the business has continued adapting to the practical needs of each new industrial era.
1936
Cooper & Cooper takes shape
After outgrowing its Commissioner Street premises, the business moved to Village Deep and converted to Cooper & Cooper (Pty) Ltd. Its activities increasingly included manufacturing, building materials and mining supplies.
1964
Engineering Supplies joins the business
The Engineering Supplies partnership was acquired and combined with the mining materials operation. The expanded range included tools, fasteners, clamping equipment, wire-rope fittings and other industrial products.
1982 onwards
A dedicated engineering-supply business
Following the sale of the motor-body-building division, Engineering Supplies became the remaining operation within Cooper & Cooper (Pty) Ltd. The company continues today as Cooper & Cooper trading as Engineering Supplies.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Experience carried forward
The products and industries have changed considerably since 1897, but the underlying approach remains recognisable: understand the application, supply practical industrial equipment and support customers beyond the initial transaction.
Today, Cooper & Cooper trading as Engineering Supplies serves modern lifting and industrial requirements through its equipment range, technical support and associated services. Our history provides context for the business—but our credibility is demonstrated through the products, people and support customers rely on today.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
How can we help?
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Practical knowledge, ready for your next requirement
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