Empowering South African Entrepreneurs: AM.CO.ZA’s Journey from Machinery to Mastery

In the ever-evolving world of South African entrepreneurship, one name has quietly but powerfully risen to become a cornerstone in the country’s industrial and creative sectors—AM.CO.ZA. The company, powered by Advanced Machinery (Pty) Ltd, began its journey in 2013 with a simple yet bold ambition: to make cutting-edge machinery accessible to South African businesses of all sizes. Today, it’s far more than just a supplier of CNC machines and large-format printers—it’s a full-fledged ecosystem designed to nurture, educate, and empower entrepreneurs and makers across the country.

AM.CO.ZA started out as a small-scale CNC machinery agent. Over the past decade, it has transformed into a formidable player in the industry, offering everything from engineering and design to sales, support, and training. Its extensive infrastructure now spans over 7,000 square metres across the country, including state-of-the-art warehouses in Johannesburg and Cape Town, which double as showrooms, service centres, and incubators for smaller creative and manufacturing businesses.

The company caters to both ends of the spectrum—providing compact machines ideal for startups and high-capacity systems for large-scale enterprises. This flexibility has made AM.CO.ZA a trusted partner for a wide range of clients, from garage innovators to established factories.

Understanding that machines alone don’t build businesses—people do—AM.CO.ZA has taken a giant leap forward with the creation of Ambitious Academy. Located in Germiston, this purpose-built educational hub is dedicated to training the next generation of machinists, designers, and makers, with a specific focus on CNC machining.

“We want to teach people how to properly use our machinery,” says the team behind AM.CO.ZA. The courses at Ambitious Academy are deeply practical, designed to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application. Through hands-on training, students learn not just how to operate machines, but how to use them creatively and effectively in business.

The Academy works closely with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to ensure all training meets national standards. Graduates leave not just with skills, but with industry-recognized certifications—and even better, opportunities to connect with employers who are eager for qualified talent.

But education doesn’t stop at the classroom. AM.CO.ZA also invests heavily in video content, offering detailed tutorials and business advice through its popular YouTube channel, which recently surpassed 100,000 subscribers. This content helps customers not only learn how to operate their machines but also how to grow their businesses and increase profitability.

“We also want to create opportunities, particularly for aftermarket repairs,” the team explains, noting that Machine.Africa, another arm of the business, handles servicing and support, ensuring that clients have reliable backup when they need it most.

The company isn’t resting on its achievements. Plans are underway to expand showrooms across South Africa, while a restaurant is being developed at the Germiston premises to create a welcoming, community-focused experience. There’s even a long-term goal to list on the stock exchange by 2040, a testament to the company’s enduring ambition.

AM.CO.ZA’s drive for efficiency extends into the digital world. Their online store, Buythis.co.za, reflects a modern approach to e-commerce. Described as “an efficient, A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) operative, business-to-business (B2B) store; specifically curated for repeat purchases,” Buythis allows customers to order products and parts quickly and with confidence.

With a warehouse built for efficient stock management, seasonal client competitions, and an unwavering focus on innovation and empowerment, AM.CO.ZA is proving that South African businesses can lead with vision, heart, and purpose.

From a single warehouse in 2013 to a multi-brand enterprise committed to education, sustainability, and business growth—AM.CO.ZA is not just shaping the machinery sector, it’s helping to shape the future of South African entrepreneurship.