FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
All installations were done with Friga
Systems packaged units. Marius Louw, a
partner and manager of the Kakamas
branch, proudly took me on a visit to the
refrigeration installation done at the ultra-
modern Skaapland butchery in Upington.
In 2000, the producers were aiming to
pack 10m cartons of export grapes —
about 50% of what is now packed in the
area. The strong team spirit among the
staff at GVD has certainly not waned since
first visited in 1994. Sadly, Johan Potgieter
passed away after illness in 2016 and is still
very fondly spoken off. Bennie, his son, is the
technical manager in Upington, and the
Kakamas branch has Bernhard Whyburd
as the manager. In its 27 years, GVD has
certainly made its mark among the grape
producers along the Orange River.
SOLAR POWER GENERATION
Driving from Upington to Kakamas, one
cannot help but notice the white ball of
light at the top of the tower of the Khi Solar
One power generation plant. One square
kilometer of tracking mirrors around the
tower reflect the rays of the sun, creating a
luminous ball of light. The intensity of light is
so sharp that, even from kilometers away,
could cause damage to the eyes if looked
at for too long.
The Khi Solar One was the first solar
power generation plant built in the
Gordonia area and is said to store steam
for power generation for five hours after
sunlight. The third solar generation plant,
Xina Solar One, under construction near
Pofadder, will be able to store full steam
generation after sunlight has gone. Two
large tanks of molten salt provide a heat
source needed for power generation after
sunlight.
Each visit to the Orange River is
more interesting than before and
whets your appetite to return time
and time again. CLA
Johan and Barendeen Potgieter with James Mbata (on right), at the time of Johan
Potgieter being voted entrepreneur of the month in October 1993.
PRODUCTS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Remote showcase monitoring
At the US AHR Expo in January, Carel
premiered MPXone, the new Carel
controller for remote showcase
management in supermarket
applications. MPXone is designed to
guarantee all the typical functions
of these applica