Michael Cooper has been working for Bischof+Klein in South Africa since February 2023. This sales specialist with a focus on food packaging wants to convince the South African industry of the advantages of our packaging solutions. We spoke to him on the sidelines of the sales conference in Lengerich.

Mr. Cooper, you visited our main plant for the first time. What impressions do you take with you from Lengerich?

Mike: Really good impressions. I am pleasantly surprised by the wonderful family atmosphere that exists here.

Did you also have the opportunity to take a tour of the company?

Mike: Yes, it is very impressive and I was also able to visit the newest clean room facility. This was unique, as I am very familiar with the strict hygiene regulations when producing food packaging, however this Class 5 clean room is in a different dimension!

When did you first come into contact with Bischof+Klein?

Mike: Around two years ago is when I became aware of Bischof+Klein and it`s unique abilities. Although still relatively unknown in South Africa, I plan to change that.

How do you want to proceed?

Mike: I took away a lot of important suggestions and information from the discussions in Lengerich, which were had with many role players. We need to show that we provide product protection and unique abilities that are not available elsewhere to this standard. To do this, I observe the market very closely, identify the right companies and approach them specifically.

Please, could you tell us a bit about your career?

Mike: I originally trained as a lithographer/printer at a packaging manufacturer in South Africa. I then studied business management and moved into the sales of printing and packaging machines. Later, I lived and worked in North America for twelve years and returned to South Africa when my mother became seriously ill. The last period of my career before joining Bischof+Klein was as the sales director for a large national food packaging manufacturer.

What about your family?

Mike: My wife Colleen and I have been blessed with four children, of which two continue to live in Canada, whilst two also returned to South Africa. Additionally, we are thrilled to have welcomed three young granddaughters to our family.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Mike: I love sport and have ridden motorcycles, played competitive squash and enjoyed golf. Now I continue to be active with a daily workout.

How is the topic of plastic packaging viewed in South Africa?

Mike: There is great interest in recyclable plastic packaging, however even though this is attractive not many businesses want to pay a higher price for the recyclable option. There is however a desire to follow the norms of Europe and I believe this will lead to success in this market.

Which industries are of particular interest to us?

Mike: Any manufacturer/business that requires a unique packaging solution is of interest. These include players in the food industry, chemicals, adhesives and diverse powder substances.

Will you also sell our cleanroom products in South Africa?

Mike: Yes! There are no Class 5 manufacturers of clean film packaging in South Africa and moving forward I aim to share these unique facilities with all possible prospects. 

Are there already CleanFlex® customers in South Africa?

Mike: Not yet, but there are possibilities and I am working on this with great optimism.

Thank you for the conversation!