Philippines Electric Power and Water Utility Industry - The Omicron Disruption

This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise
started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes
back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three
decades.
While the Filipinos continue to rebuild their lives post war, CBK Hardware sees the opportunity to
introduce the retail concept once unheard for in hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware brought
the first DIY business in the Asia. A do it on yourself concept that created Cobankiat hardware in the
Philippines. The Hardware Workshop Store is the fruit if this endeavor. CBK Hardware further cemented
its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’ Design Center in Edsa Shangi La in 1996, a
specialty store that caters to discriminating taste of modern Filipinos.
In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader, set another milestone for the
company when he brings a franchise of Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines, and signs up CBK Hardware
as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering quality world class products nearer to
families of Filipino overseas workers in the countryside.
A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to be the largest network supplier of
the biggest global brands in the hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolve to source the best products to
supply its customers anytime and every time.
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