Contact KMS

KMS is conveniently located in the Knysna Industrial area, with ample safe parking.

Our admin office and normal service workshop hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00 (Friday till 16:00). Note we are still available for towing & breakdown emergencies 24 hours of the day.

Get to know our friendly, dedicated, tightly-knit team below:

About Us: Management Team

Ricky Cooper started the business, originally Knysna Motor Strippers, in 1971. The trio Ricky, Marck and Gavin, successfully ran the business together servicing the whole of the Southern Cape area with their original fleet of only 2 recovery and breakdown vehicles. You may remember the giant recovery rig Goliath that was capable of recovering and towing heavy vehicles and the smaller recovery vehicle David used to recover and tow smaller vehicles.

The fleet has subsequently grown since those early days! Apart from fixing, towing and transporting things KMS now also specializes in slipping and launching yachts and heavy boats. Marck and Gavin are also both qualified mechanics and run a servicing workshop where they service and repair all makes of vehicles.

Ricky retired about 10 years ago and the business is now run by Marck and Gavin, who are supported by a tightly-knit team of proud and experienced staff members with relatively low staff turnover.

We are so thankful for the community support we've received over the past 50+ years and hope to serve you for many more years to come!

Marck Cooper

Marck started at KMS December 1990 working for his dad as motor mechanic apprentice, entailing sale of 2nd hand car/truck spares, vehicle repairs and maintenance, light and heavy-duty recovery. Marck qualified as a motor mechanic in April 1994 and in 2016 bought KMS from his dad and now runs it in partnership with his brother Gavin.

Training and experience include:

1. Qualified mechanic
2. Counter-balanced lift truck.
3. General response protocols for hazmat incidents, involving road bulk tankers.
4. Coxswain leadership course (NSRI).
5. First aid level 3 & Basic life support.

Special Recognition:

1. NSRI 10 years' service award.
2. Recognition from the NSRI for going beyond the call of duty, selfless actions resulting in preservation of life and averting major environmental tragedy together with fellow members during the Kiani Satu incident.
3. NSRI International Maritime Awards: 2011 Pilatus PC-12 aircraft accident at Plettenberg Bay, 2014 Drupkelders rescue, 2011 Rheenendal school bus accident.

Gavin Cooper

Gavin started at KMS December 1992 working for his dad as motor mechanic apprentice and qualified as motor mechanic May 1996. Together with his brother Marck they bought KMS from their father in 2016 and have been running it successfully ever since.

Training and experience include:

1. Mobile truck crane
2. Qualified mechanic

Special Recognition:

1. AA Head Office appreciation for service 2003

Riaan van der Mescht

Riaan started working at KMS in 2008. Prior to that he'd work at KMS during school holidays to gain experience in the workshop. Apart from a brief stint working for a national transport company doing long distance driving, he's been a KMS team member ever since and became a shareholder in the company in 2022. He is our fleet manager and is extremely reliable long distance driver with loads of experience in towing large boats and equipment.

Other Training and experience include:

1. Mobile truck crane
2. AA Head Office appreciation for service 2003