EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
ACRA shows off new
world-class training facility
By Ilana Koegelenberg
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) officially introduced industry to its new
state-of-the-art facility in Chloorkop, Johannesburg, on 1 September 2017.
T
A view from the top – ACRA was abuzz with activity on its official ‘opening day’.
Enjoying the day with the ACRA team, was, from left: Michael Labacher (A-Gas); Derek
Stevenson (Rothenberger); Steven van Zyl (Rothenberger); and Werner Terblanche (A-Gas).
From left: Shaun Powell (Eurocool); Derick Bantjes (Cold Curve); Roy Naidoo (Danfoss);
Darren Naicker (Danfoss); and Hardy Marisa (Danfoss).
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he opening had been a long time
coming as Grant Laidlaw and the
rest of his ACRA team worked
tirelessly to get all aspects of the training
academy up and ready. From unitary
equipment to controls, ducting, chillers
and everything in-between, the
academy is set-up to provide practical
training in all aspects of HVAC&R. It even
does trade tests at its facility.
It was an exciting day and more than
120 people stopped by to come see what
the training academy has to offer and to
share in the moment. ACRA trainers and
suppliers were stationed throughout the
facility in each of their particular sections
to give guests more information on what
happens in that section and the training
they offer on the topic.
Industry role players and students came
from far and wide to view ACRA’s offering.
With food and drinks in abundance, there
was lots of merriment to be had.
One of the exciting features of the
new academy is its central plant located
inside the training facility fo r students to
work on — an impressive feat.
Grant Laidlaw, CEO of ACRA, officially
opened the centre, thanking all the
suppliers for their contributions, without
which, he said, the training centre would
not have been complete.
Barney Richardson, director of the South
African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Contractors’ Association (SARACCA), also
said a few words. He emphasised that it
is the contractors’ responsibility to ensure
that they and their people are up to speed
The fire demonstration, showcasing the proper usage of fire extinguishers.
Some Eurocool staff also attended, from left: Preston Govender,
Wessel Pretorius, and Johan Hattingh.
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
COLD LINK AFRICA • November | December 2017