R
onnie had been in the industry for over 25 years when he started the
business from a single office in New Street South in the city centre.
He had been a well-known figure in the industry and had worked in the
paper and machinery side of the industry for many rears. The company
remained in the city until 1999 when it moved to the current premises in
Honeydew. Ronnie died at the age of 66 in 1994. Continuity of the business
had been assured as he had taken on his son-in-law Michael Tucker towards
the end of 1983, and was then joined shortly thereafter by his son Paul, in
February 1985.
The company was established as a supplier of machinery and consumables
to the printing and related industries, and has remained focussed on that
business ever since. Explaining the scope of the company, Paul commented,
‘We offer a comprehensive range of print finishing equipment from short-run
desktop equipment to industrial three-shift machinery.’
He added, ‘Our range is very comprehensive and we have been fortunate to
offer some of the best-known brand names available into the industry for
many years. There are products in our range that we have represented in
South Africa for almost as long as the company has been in existence. We
have endeavoured to expand the range over the years but only with quality
products from reputable manufacturers. Our customers can take heart from
the knowledge that our suppliers are solid companies, that have been
able to survive the difficult times the major economies of the world have
experienced over the last few years. The good news is that we are hearing
very encouraging news about certain economies improving abroad and we
trust this will filter through to us, in the not too distant future.’
He continued, ‘As we celebrate our 40th year in business, the first order of
business must be to thank all our customers who have supported us over the
years. It really is as a result of their support that we are able to celebrate this
milestone. And as a close second, we must thank our suppliers who likewise
have supported our efforts over all these years, through thick and thin.
‘The printing industry has seen some major technology changes in the last 100
years or so. One such change of significance was the change from letterpress
printing to litho printing: another has been the emergence of the digital era.
The former took decades to manifest itself. The latter has happened very
quickly. As a result we have had to adapt to these changes and we must
continue to adapt going forward so that we can supply our customers with
the equipment they need to improve productivity and profitability.
‘Last and definitely not least we must thank our staff for their efforts. We have
certain members of staff who been with us for over 25 years and last year
November saw the retirement of Paulos Nphlapo who had been with us
for over 35 years. We miss him, and many of our customers remember that
special guy with the wonderful disposition, and for whom nothing was too
much trouble.’
In conclusion Paul said, ‘Our goal is to continue with our best efforts to offer
quality equipment to the industry; to back that machinery with the necessary
levels of technical support and to ensure that we, at the very least, meet, but
always try exceed our customer’s expectations.’
Ronnie Cox Graphic Supplies
making history
June 2014 marked a milestone in the history of the company as it celebrated 40 years in
business in South Africa. The company was established on 27 June 1974, which coincidentally
was the birthday of the founder, Ronnie Cox.
Vol 4 Issue 3 • RONNIE COX GRAPHIC SUPPLIES MAKING HISTORY
40
I
The GAPP
magazine
www.
thegapp
.co.za
