INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
NEWS
In memory of Arne Pedersen
By John Ackermann
It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to OTTC’ s Arne Pedersen( born 31 March 1944) on 17 April 2016. Arne Pedersen was synonymous with Danfoss products in South Africa. For many years he visited Danfoss users and clients throughout the country, presenting training courses, troubleshooting problems and providing expertise in application of products.
After spending time in the navy in Greenland, Arne returned to his place of birth in Denmark and joined Danfoss as the technical manager of refrigeration products.
In 1995 Arne relocated to Danfoss in South Africa. He remained with the company until his retirement at the age of 65 and after 32 years of service with Danfoss.
Refrigeration was his passion— maybe he even had refrigerant in his blood.
His ability to live life to the fullest added colour to his character and he never missed an opportunity to socialise and enjoy a good party.
Arne was also passionate about skills training— he did not hesitate when called upon to share his knowledge with others or to assist as a judge at national skills competitions. After retiring from Danfoss in South Africa, he joined the OTTC training college in Springs as a lecturer. His patience in teaching others and his wealth of knowledge gained him the respect of staff and students alike at OTTC.
Refrigeration was his passion— maybe he even had refrigerant in his blood.
“ Arne was a great friend to me and Peter and an asset to OTTC,” says Isolde Döbelin, owner of OTTC.“ He maintained a good relationship with Danfoss and
Arne Pedersen, 31 March 1944 – 17 April 2016.
always managed to get their support and sponsorship for the college. We are very thankful to Danfoss for their contributions to OTTC. He also was a walking Danfoss information centre, which will be missed worldwide. Many people from all over phoned him with their problems and seeked advice. He was a giver and a hard worker; nothing was too much trouble for him to do. He was always the first to arrive at OTTC and usually the last to leave. Arne enjoyed working at OTTC and networking with all the students and visitors at special occasions and graduation ceremonies.
Shortly before his death and while hospitalised with rapidly deteriorating health, he apologised for not being able to do his duties as a lecturer and defiantly wanted to come back. Sadly a few days later he passed away. Arne was an intricate part of OTTC and loved being with us. He will be missed and remembered by everyone at OTTC and the many students taught by him.”
Our sympathy goes to his wife, Mananki, his children Enzo and Refilwe, and his grandchildren Queen and Enrico. CLA
In memory:
Vernon Mans 29 July 1946 – 28 May 2016
The refrigerated transport industry and the Kraaifontein community reeled with shock when the news of the sudden death of Vernon Mans broke late on Saturday, 28 May. Vernon was at the wedding reception of his brother Marius’ s daughter when he collapsed and died.
The crowd of 400 plus that attended his funeral in Kraaifontein bore testimony to the high regard he held in his community, family and business circles.
Although from a farming family, he excelled in finance. His commitment to high service levels and strong ethics earned him the respect of his broad client base at Sentrasure short‐term insurance.
In 1994, his brother Marius( after leaving the employ of Eskom), decided to start a refrigerated transport business and was intent on buying a second-hand horse and trailer. The challenge of starting a new venture— totally different from what he was doing— caught Vernon’ s imagination and he decided to join Marius in the transport business. It was Vernon who convinced Marius to buy a new refrigerated rig( an Eagle mechanical horse, 30 pallet Henred tri‐axle semi‐trailer fitted with a Thermo King Super Boss). As he always recalled,“ It was soon after Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’ s first democratically elected president that MANS Vervoer transported their first load on 29 July 1994.”
20 years later, the fleet exceeded 30 refrigerated trailers and owned their first refrigerated rigids. The personal dealings of Vernon and Marius with all clients and their focus
By John Ackermann
on scheduled deliveries with reliable equipment, won the trust of clients across South Africa.
Being smaller in stature compared to his brother, Vernon was hyper active in searching for new opportunities in the market— he epitomised the saying‘ never let the grass grow under your feet’. Vernon had the same level of energy when it came to having fun and enjoying life.
The sudden death of Vernon is not only a great loss to MANS Vervoer, his family and his community, but is also a loss to the nation. South Africa is in dire need of people with high ethics and strong business principles. Sadly with the passing of Vernon Mans the country has lost a respected citizen with sought after principles.
May his legacy be continued from generation to generation.
Condolences are extended to Vernon’ s family, to Marius and family, and the staff of MANS Vervoer. CLA
Vernon Mans, 29 July 1946 – 28 May 2016.
COLD LINK AFRICA • July | August 2016 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za 7