Tony Cooper – 1936 to 2012

The Inventor of the Bonzer® Can Opener 

Tony Cooper, the man who design and produced the first ever Bonzer® Can opener has passed away after a long term illness.  Recognised by many as one of the most important pieces of kit in the kitchen, the Bonzer can opener is estimated to have sold over 25 Million units since it launched over 70 years ago.

It was the perfectly designed Bonzer can opener that catapulted his Grandfather’s company, Mitchell & Cooper into the catering limelight and it is the same company that still manufacture the product in the UK today.  Although the Bonzer name is now also associated with many other high quality, innovative products including barware, portioners and dispensers, it is the design of the can opener that many will best remember Tony Cooper for.

It is fitting that one of the last projects Tony undertook in the last few weeks was to refurbish an original 60 year old Bonzer can opener which was returned from the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula, after being part of the UK Antarctic Base at Port Lockroy. 

Guy Cooper, son of Tony and current Managing Director at Mitchell & Cooper paid tribute to his Father:

“Although Mitchell & Cooper was founded back in 1879 by my Great Grandfather, it wasn’t until my Father designed and produced the first industrial Bonzer can opener that the company was firmly placed on the map as a professional catering equipment supplier.  Prior to his retirement in 2002, he helped to grow Mitchell & Cooper and the Bonzer brand into a well-know and respected company and brand within the industry.”