Cosmo Group celebrates 30 years
Founded in 1994, Cosmo Group is celebrating 30 years of growth and service to sub-Saharan Africa and South African industry. Group CEO Pierre van Nieuwenhuizen reflects on the journey.
Back in 1994, the paths of Rossouw van der Merwe and Pierre van Nieuwenhuizen’s first crossed, leading to the establishment of Cosmo Group in Silverton. “We were so young and incredibly enthusiastic back then,” recalls Pierre. “We had big dreams, and nothing could stop us. Our journey began by selling welding rods door-to-door – and we weren’t afraid to take on the biggest welding suppliers. Our vision was clear: start on our doorstep and expand until we ourselves became the largest welding equipment supplier in sub-Saharan Africa.”
“The initial phase involved understanding customer needs and solving their problems. It was an exciting time that laid the foundation for what Cosmo Group has become today,” he adds.
From these humble beginnings, as a small two-person business, working from a house, these entrepreneurs gradually expanded their offerings, supplying a wider range of welding machines and consumables, gas, and safety equipment. They secured their first agencies: with Lincoln Electric for welding equipment and consumables, and with Air Products for industrial gases – and 30 years later, they remain loyal to these two chosen brands.
Over the years, the range of products and services that Cosmo Group offers its clients has grown significantly. New people, products, brands and relationships have been onboarded and developed every year. Cosmo Group now includes several companies: Cosmo Industrial; Cosmo Automation; Cosmo Railway; Cosmo Manufacturing; Cosmo Mining; Cosmo Construction; Cosmo Training Academy; Silverton Tool Centre; and Silverton Cycles.
The Cosmo Superstore in Silverton has become a beacon for the Pretoria community serving as a platform for supplying products across South Africa. Additionally, the Cosmo online shop provides easy access to all its products.
“I think what we have done very well over the years is to diversify,” Pierre says. “Recognising that the welding industry needs’ extended beyond equipment, we expanded our range to include PPE and workwear; fasteners, abrasives, hand and power tools; lifting equipment, automation, and a host of industrial consumables and solutions. Therefore, setting out to supply a bigger basket of brands and products.
“We also quickly realised the need for training. We embarked on a journey to equip both our clients on how to best use the machines we were selling, but also, the upskilling of our workforce. Ten years ago, we established the Cosmo Training Academy. Today, the Academy proudly offers the IIW International Welder Diploma, and operates as an Authorised Training Body under the SAIW.”
This strategic move completes the circle in terms of supplying fabricators with everything they need. “On the one hand, we provide them with top-quality equipment, consumables, gas, and tools. On the other hand, we empower them with skilled personnel who can effectively utilize these resources.
“But our commitment doesn’t end there. We recognize the growing demand for on-the-job training directly at worksites. Therefore, we are in the process of adding the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) to our offerings. Whether it’s coding a welder, meeting code requirements, or assisting with welding procedures, we thrive on providing comprehensive solutions for our valued customers,” van Nieuwenhuizen says.
“South Africa and the welding industry holds a lot of potential. We continually strive to improve, make informed choices, and add for our customers.
“We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our customers for their unwavering support over the past three decades. Here’s to many more years of growth, collaboration, and shared success.”
