Dr. Janet Cotten is forging a new and formidable path in materials engineering. As the founder and Managing Director of One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions, she is reshaping how Africa approaches materials science by applying precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence.
A metallurgist by training, Janet Cotten specialises in studying metals and their properties. This area of engineering plays a critical role in the safety, performance, and sustainability of infrastructure and industrial applications. Metallurgists are integral to a wide range of industries, providing insight into the behaviour of materials under various conditions and ensuring that components meet strict quality and durability standards.
At a time when Africa is witnessing rapid infrastructure development, energy transitions, and technological expansion, the need for rigorous, science-based materials engineering is more critical than ever. Through her firm, Janet Cotten is leading this initiative, ensuring that engineering solutions on the continent are readily available.
One Eighty Materials Engineering Solutions offers specialised services in materials testing, failure analysis, quality assurance, and forensic engineering, providing crucial support to the mining, construction, energy, and manufacturing sectors. At the heart of its operation is a commitment to delivering technically sound, cost-effective, and timely solutions.
A notable achievement for the firm was the development of its own Materials Testing Centre, a high-performance facility designed to address the growing need for precise and independent materials testing in South Africa. The centre plays a pivotal role in assisting industries in reducing costly failures, enhancing product performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. It is also the most widely scoped ISO-accredited materials testing laboratory in Africa, with a client base of over 1400 globally.
Currently, One Eighty is arguably the most modern, efficient, and advanced laboratory of its kind in Africa. The company addresses a wide range of real-life engineering challenges in sectors that include Oil and Gas, Mining, Marine, Fabrication, Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Food and Beverage, and Power Generation.
The company is also known for its collaborative strategy. It often partners with clients from the early design phase to post-failure analysis and quality optimisation.
Financially, the company has secured various undisclosed funding, which has enabled strategic growth, capacity building, and investment in high-grade laboratory equipment.
Furthermore, the businesswoman advocates for women in STEM, regularly participating in forums and mentorship programmes aimed at encouraging young professionals to pursue careers in STEM. She continues to set new bars for what is possible for women and the African engineering industry.
