Newsroom

COBA Scores with Flying Colours in the True Spirit of 2010

COBA Plastics (Pty) Ltd based in Cape Town has successfully attained Level 4 status in a recent BBBEE audit conducted by iQuad Verification Services (Pty) Ltd and in doing so, achieves 100% BBBEE procurement recognition.

This exceptional result follows considerable effort and investment by COBA Plastics (Pty) Ltd in employing and training Black, unskilled individuals. Significantly, over 80% of COBA’s workforce in South Africa is currently Black. The company, which manufactures premium quality plastic extruded products primarily for the automotive industry, is part of the dynamic COBA International group of companies located around the world.

Many employees have joined from the local townships without any skills to their name, yet with training from COBA, have excelled to take on positions of responsibility within the company.

Take Peter Ncamane, for example. He started as a general cleaner, then moved to recycling, climbing the echelons of the production operating ladder to Grade 1 setter, where he is now in charge of his own shift. Meanwhile, others have risen to management positions.

The results of this audit also benefit COBA’s customers when it comes to preferential procurement for their own scoring status, allowing them to claim 100% of COBA’s goods as BBBEE which in some sectors is compulsory purchasing criteria.

Martin Venn, General Manager of COBA Plastics (Pty) Ltd says, “We are thrilled with this. Our performance underlines our commitment to the morals and objectives of BBBEE, and the local community as a whole. We have a very loyal, happy workforce with a low staff turnover thanks to the many training and team-building initiatives organised by COBA. For those involved, they learn a variety of new skills for personal development and become a valuable asset to our company, and to the country’s economy as a whole. As a result, we have a highly motivated team dedicated to delivering a first class service to our customers.”

As the FIFA World Cup comes to South Africa this summer, COBA has treated its entire workforce to tickets for one of the local games for a social get together. A true celebration of goals on a both corporate and personal level!

For further information, please contact Martin Venn at COBA Plastics (Pty) Ltd on +27 21 557 1204 or email sales@cobaplastics.co.za; www.cobaplastics.co.za

Mats to Make You Green With Envy

Here at COBA, we like to do our bit for the environment and this matting product definitely caught our imagination! Made from 100% recycled materials – plastic bottles and tyres in actual fact – we thought, wow, this is a really clever little doormat. It's called Enviro-Mat and it's quite a toughie too! Don't expect any broken borders with its total carpet coverage. Meanwhile its robust raised patterned surface is great at scraping all that dirt and moisture off footwear, while its heavy duty rubber backing helps to stop it slipping around on smooth floors.

Smart and Practical, That's Cobawash

Cobawash is a fabulous door mat that is a real workhorse when it comes to trapping dirt and moisture – up to a staggering 90% in actual fact. Available in four attractive colours, the smallest of the three size doormats can even be washed in a domestic washing machine. Very handy indeed when it comes to keeping Cobawash in pristine condition.

Premier Track for Premier Performance

Our Premier Track entrance matting is a real winner when it comes to making the perfect entrance. Made from 80% recycled materials, it is good for the environment too!

This smart, yet very functional entrance matting system comprises interlocking PVC tiles with high quality nylon carpet inserts that can withstand high volumes of foot traffic making it ideal for busy commercial areas, retail environments, schools, leisure complexes, hotel foyers – just a few examples of where our popular Premier Track Tiles are used.

Premier Track effectively wipes moisture and scrapes dirt from footwear to protect interior floor surfaces.


This ultra-versatile system allows for coverage of any size of floor area, either installed in footwells or laid to surface with optional bevelled edging. Premier Track tiles can even be cut to shape to accommodate different shapes and sizes

With most entrance matting, the central pathway is usually subjected to greater wear and tear. Premier Track allows for these tiles to be swapped around, or replaced, without the need to invest in an entirely new system. The good news is that is easy to install and maintain, making it relatively hassle-free.

Each tile measures 30cm x 45cm and is 15mm deep in Anthracite.

New Catalogue at Your Fingertips

It's here at last and we hope you find it an invaluable resource for all your matting needs. Yes, the COBA matting brochure is available now and if you can't wait for a copy in the post, it can be downloaded on line. It's packed with matting and flooring products for All Walks of Life. And if you're still stuck for choice, please call us – we're here to help you every step of the way!

This is not just Any Anti-Fatigue Mat

We've all experienced aching feet or tired legs from standing. But what if this happens on a daily basis because our jobs require us to be on our feet for prolonged periods of time? While the short-lived aches and pains can be annoying, the possible risks of long-term health conditions such as varicose veins and muscular disorders are even more distressing.



Anti-fatigue matting, such as Orthomat, is designed to help reduce the effects of fatigue from standing by providing a cushioned surface underfoot, relieving pressure to the feet, legs and back. Ideal for industrial locations, it's pebbled surface also gives additional grip underfoot. It is manufactured from 100% closed cell vinyl foam and is available in charcoal with bright yellow borders to increase safety awareness.

Guaranteed to be one of our best sellers for many different locations where standing is a concern.

Introducing Janet

We are delighted to welcome Janet McLeod to the COBA team. Janet, who came on board in January, joins as a Sales Executive working specifically for our matting and flooring business.


Janet will be helping to develop new customers and in doing so, will generate new business at both end user and distributor level. She will be actively promoting our product range to a variety of sectors including catering, leisure, industrial and commercial. The majority of her time will be out on the road primarily covering the Western Cape but also visiting clients nationally too.

She brings with her extensive sales and brand development experience having previously worked as a National Brand Manager for Redfern, where she was instrumental in developing new business and introducing new product lines that helped to take the company from strength to strength.

Anyone for Golf?

PING is a name that golfers around the world will recognise! Our Orthomat anti-fatigue matting has been used in production areas at PING Europe's head office and manufacturing facility in the UK, where bespoke golf clubs are produced for professionals, as well as high quality equipment for the recreational golfer.

Anti-fatigue matting was installed to create a more comfortable working environment for employees, whom for many, have to spend the majority of their day standing such as those pictured in areas where the golf heads are attached to the shafts.

The cushioned surface provided by Orthomat is a more comfortable alternative to standing on a hard concrete floor and helps to reduce the effects of fatigue from prolonged periods of standing.

Tiredness from standing can lead to aches and pains, and more serious long-term conditions, as well as increases the risk of accidents in the workplace through a lapse in concentration.

Anti-fatigue matting is a simple preventative step to safety.

Bartenders – We’ve called in the Bouncers

Cheers to COBA Deluxe – the bar matting that likes to bounce rather than break. Even the most skilled bartenders are capable of breaking the odd glass or bottle, especially when showing off their flairing skills. Our 19mm thick rubber bar mats can save all those blushes – and plenty of money in the process.

They have many safety features too. Open holes allow spillages to seep through the mat reducing the risk of slipping and the rubber cushioning provides much needed Southern Comfort underfoot. Now, that is a perfect cocktail for comfort, safety and cost-savings.

See more of COBA Deluxe online

Matting Business in Experienced Hands

Charlene Petzer is a name that will be familiar to many of our extrusions customers. Charlene has been employed by COBA Plastics (Pty) Ltd since 2006 and was also an employee prior to that when our company traded as Tie Down Plastics.

In her role as Financial Manager, Charlene has been instrumental in launching our matting and flooring business in South Africa, working with our head office in the UK. The European arm of our business is widely recognised as one of the most established manufacturers and suppliers in the industrial and commercial matting sector.

“Our product range is diverse,” explains Charlene “which will enable us to supply matting and flooring to a wide range of industries such as industrial, construction, catering, retail and sports/leisure to name a few, with a competitive pricing structure. Distribution is made easy given our central location in Cape Town and products will be available ex-stock for delivery within 24-48 hours. COBA Plastics has a reputation for being customer driven and our new matting customers can expect the same high standards of product, service and support.”