Our Cogepa story
From a fully independent paper and board merchant in Europe and overseas to a service center and logistic partner for paper an board mills and marchants
Our Heritage, Your Advantage
When André de Cock de Rameyen founded Cogepa in 1931 in the heart of Antwerp, he envisioned more than just another paper supplier. He saw the opportunity to become the trusted bridge between European markets and quality paper production. Nearly a century later, that vision has evolved into something far more comprehensive – but the core values of reliability, expertise, and personal service remain unchanged.
From Antwerp’s Streets to Europe’s Gateway
What began as an independent paper supplier in downtown Antwerp has grown into a specialized converting powerhouse. After weathering the challenges of 1940-45, we emerged stronger, becoming the trusted agent for Scandinavian paper mills producing newsprint. Those foundational relationships taught us that in the paper industry, trust isn’t just earned – it’s inherited through generations of consistent performance.
The pivotal transformation came in the 1970s when Damien de Cock took over the business at just 26 years old following his father’s passing. With remarkable vision and entrepreneurial courage, he made the bold decision to move Cogepa from the bustling streets of Antwerp to a modern facility in Ranst. This strategic relocation near Antwerp port didn’t just change the company’s address – it revolutionized its capabilities, allowing expansion from traditional paper supply into the comprehensive converting operations that define Cogepa today.
Today, our strategic location near Antwerp port positions us perfectly to serve the entire European market. Our 6,000+ square meter facility isn’t just warehouse space – it’s your production extension, equipped with state-of-the-art converting equipment and operated by specialists who understand that your deadlines are our commitments.
The Cogepa Difference: 90+ Years of Paper Industry DNA
We’ve witnessed every evolution in European paper and board manufacturing. From the early days of newsprint to today’s sophisticated packaging solutions, we’ve adapted, invested, and grown alongside our industry. This isn’t just experience – it’s institutional knowledge that can’t be replicated overnight.
Our multilingual team doesn’t just process your materials; we anticipate your challenges. Whether you need precision slitting (100-2800mm), custom sheeting (up to 2400mm), emergency processing, or complex logistics coordination, we bring nearly a century of problem-solving expertise to every project.
Built on Relationships, Powered by Innovation
Since 2017, Mathieu de Cock has taken the succession of this family tradition, working alongside Michel Jadoul, who has been with Cogepa for more than 30 years. Together, they bring both fresh energy and deep institutional knowledge, honoring the values that André established nearly a century ago while continuously evolving our services and capabilities. This combination of generational wisdom and modern leadership ensures that our industry partners receive both the personal touch and reliability they’ve come to expect.
From André’s handshake agreements to today’s sophisticated converting operations, one principle guides everything we do: when the paper industry needs reliability, they call Cogepa.
