The Swaco Group was formed in 1933 in Windhoek, with the agency distribution of various South African manufacturing companies. This was during the World depression and the worst drought in Namibia during that century. Progress was difficult until after the great floods of 1934 and the gradual upswing in the world economy.In 1936 the Group obtained the agency for the Shell Oil Company, who withdrew from Namibia [South West Africa as it was called then] This agency lasted until 1972 when Shell reentered the country.In the meantime more agencies were acquired, and the Swaco Group is now comprised out of the following operating companies who have a combined branch in Walvis Bay and distribute throughout Namibia and neighbouring countries:

1) Swachem Namibia [Pty] Ltd - Distributors of commodity chemicals, Water treatment products, Wood treatment products, Adhesives, Acrylic Sheets, Laboratory chemicals, Solvents, Cleaning chemicals

2) Swaco Industries Namibia [Pty] Ltd - Distributors of Office Furniture, Roco fittings, Continuous Stationery, Graphics, Printing ink.

3) Cernol Chemicals [Namibia] [Pty] Ltd - manufacturers and distributors of a wide range of cleaning chemicals.

4) Spice and Scale World [Pty] Ltd - distributors of herbs, spices, scales, casings, machinery, and all other butchery requisites. All above companies operate from separate depots with the new Head Office situated at 22 Bell Street.