Cymot celebrates 65-year anniversary

CYMOT has come a long way from the four-man backyard operation that came into being in 1948 – as a depot of a South African-based company – to the modern multi-branch company with 475 employees and top distributor of automotive parts in Namibia today. The 100% Namibian-owned business has its head office in Windhoek, with branches in Katutura, Rosh Pinah, Lüderitz, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Otjiwarongo, Tsumeb, Rundu and Oshakati. It also has branches in South Africa and Angola.

In 1976 Claus Theissen broke away from the South African company, and with a handful of loyal supporters started his own business. He admits that it was a tough step to take at the time, but his positive outlook and spot-on assessment of the local economy allowed CYMOT to grow and expand.

In 1986 CYMOT acquired the National Automobile Parts Association/MIDAS franchise for Namibia, allowing the company access to bulk-buying and retail-marketing resources when required. Apart from the cycle and motor side of the business, CYMOT is equally as well known for its hand tools, workshop equipment, mining-safety products and gardening supplies. To back up its workshop equipment, the company also operates a workshop that does installations, maintenance and repairs. The CYMOT product range includes over

25 000 articles, which are grouped as MIDAS automotive spares and accessories; Greensport fishing, cycling and outdoor gear; Tooltech workshop tools and equipment; Namsafe personal protective equipment; and Colour Perfect automotive refinish products. During the last three years, a sixth pillar focussing on specific products for the mining industry was launched under the brand CYMOT Mining & Industrial.

The success of CYMOT was ensured early on when Claus Theissen realised that the people behind the business were the company’s most important asset. Says Claus: “Twenty years ago finding a good man was not so difficult; the problem was keeping him.” Axel, current MD and son of Claus, believes in power-sharing and allowing individual employees to develop their own strength within the structure of the company. Teamwork, team thinking, and team spirit are as important as staff training.

The CYMOT team members are confident that they are well positioned to satisfy their customers’ needs, and that they are well equipped to adapt to any changes in the market place.