A colourful celebration of success and collaboration

The vibrant theme of a ‘Colour Festival’ set the tone for the 2024 Matus Trade Show and Supplier Awards, held from October 3 to 5 at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg.

Setting the tone for successful trade shows in Durban and Cape Town, the Johannesburg event launched the Matus Trade Show circuit in style, blending business with a splash of colour and creativity.

The Johannesburg leg of the trade show was more than just another event on the hardware industry calendar. Matus embraced a vibrant theme that energised the atmosphere, transforming it into a festive, community- driven experience.

Attendees, including suppliers and retailers, wore bright, eye-catching shirts and were welcomed with popcorn, cotton candy, upbeat music, and temporary tattoos, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

One of the unique features of the show was the interactive canvas placed at the awards venue. Suppliers were invited to throw colour powder balls at the canvas, signing their names as they contributed to an evolving work of art. The Matus Trade Show Logo was added to the centre of this vibrant masterpiece, which will eventually be displayed at the company’s offices as a memento of the event.

Matus MD Robin Coen took the stage at the Supplier Awards Evening on 3 October, welcoming everyone to the show and underscoring the company’s mission to build and uplift South Africa. In his speech, Coen highlighted the remarkable shift in Matus’ sourcing strategy over the past four years. Once marked by 75% of its inventory being imported, the company has completely transformed, now sourcing 75% of its products from local suppliers.

Coen underscored the critical significance of collaboration between suppliers and retailers, drawing attention to the ongoing success of the Matus Trade Show Passport initiative. This programme, which has emerged as a hallmark of the event, incentivised attendees to explore every exhibitor’s stand by collecting stamps from each supplier to be eligible for an enticing lucky draw. With prizes that included a fully stocked trailer, a Weber braai, and an array of products.

Matus’ commitment to South Africa extends far beyond trade. Coen proudly spoke of the company’s social responsibility programmes, including black economic empowerment initiatives, bursaries, learnership programmes, and community upliftment efforts. Matus has built a business that not only serves over 4 000 customers daily, with an impressive 24-hour local and 48-hour cross-border delivery network, but also gives back to the communities it serves.

The Supplier Awards were the highlight of the evening, with accolades and Matus’ distinctive hammer trophies handed out to those who had excelled. Dewald Kotze, procurement and sourcing manager, announced the winners, celebrating creativity, growth, and collaboration.

Award highlights

MOST ATTRACTIVE DISPLAY: Gedore
BEST COMPETITION INCORPORATING SUPPLIER PRODUCT: Bulldog Abrasives

BIGGEST GROWTH WITH MATUS: Thuthuka Welding

BEST DISPLAY SOLD OVER PAST FINANCIAL YEAR: GMA Group

COLLABORATION WITH MATUS: Bulldog Abrasives

MOST CREATIVE DISPLAY: Dowel and Co

OWN BRANDS AWARD (NEW FOR 2024): MTS

SUPPLIER EMBRACING THE THEME: Namlog, awarded a special glass trophy.

Additionally, certificates were awarded to five standout suppliers: EMIT Logistics, Mitco, Liqui Moly, Sellotape, and Herschell, recognising their contributions to the show’s success.

Throughout the event, over 50 supplier stands showcased innovative products, attracting attention with their vibrant and engaging setups. The outdoor and indoor spaces were alive with activity, as retailers and suppliers connected and explored new opportunities. Saturday brought an extra splash of family fun, with retailers encouraged to bring their children, joining Matus staff for a day of festivities.

Amid a busy trade show season, Matus Johannesburg event stood out for its creativity, energy, and commitment to both business and community. As Matus continued its roadshow to Durban and Cape Town, the Colour Festival theme would with no doubt leave a lasting impression on all who attended, reinforcing the company’s message of growth, local support, and collaboration.