www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2024 19
Business power conservation in our utility services , we aim to leave a positive legacy for future generations .”
Abou Jaoude expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to oversee BUTEC ’ s South African ventures . Despite the demanding travel from Beirut every two weeks , he conveyed his genuine enjoyment and commitment to the role .
“ As director , my primary role today is to introduce our exceptional South African team . These individuals are not only talented and recognised but also deeply dedicated to implementing BUTEC ’ s strategies .” He emphasised that their mission extended beyond business growth to actively contributing to the local community and fostering economic development in South Africa .
He underscored BUTEC ’ s ongoing integration efforts with local operations , emphasising a collaborative approach to maximise opportunities and ensure sustainable success .
National procurement manager Harmse reiterated BUTEC ’ s steadfast commitment to delivering top-tier electromechanical solutions and services across its diverse operations .
David Wafer , business development director , reflected on the dynamic changes unfolding within the company amid South Africa ’ s evolving political landscape . “ These are exciting times for us ,” he remarked , alluding to the company ’ s strategic growth initiatives and its enhanced capabilities following the acquisition of 15 companies across Africa .
Wafer emphasised BUTEC ’ s legacy and expertise , formerly known as Thermair and Ampair , now consolidated under the BUTEC banner . “ With nearly 60 years of experience , we have emerged as one of the largest mechanical and electrical companies in the region . This transformation allows it to broaden its service offerings , including HVAC services and expanding into renewable energy , access control , and more .”
While Thermaire undertakes megaprojects involving the design , supply and installation of HVAC equipment , Ampair handles the maintenance associated with the 12-month warranty .
Additionally , the manufacturing arm of BUTEC remains DUCTSHOP , which manufactures high-quality metal and PAL ducting at its state-of-the-art facility in Johannesburg .
BUTEC is currently undertaking various significant HVAC projects , with the three key projects involving exclusive residential development Oceans , in Umhlanga , the Midlands Mall , in Pietermaritzburg , and Teraco ’ s CT2.2 data centre , in Cape Town .
Work on the Teraco facility will start soon , with the project scheduled to be completed a year later . The Oceans project , which started in January this year , should be finalised in December , while the Midlands Mall project – started in August 2023 – is scheduled to be completed in February 2025 .
BUTEC Services is one of the biggest maintenance companies in the country at present , concentrating on planned preventive maintenance in hotels , hospitals , office blocks and shopping centres , to name a few .
In Johannesburg , the division has various maintenance contracts in place at shopping centres such as Nelson Mandela Square , Mall of Africa , The Glen Shopping Centre and Mall of Rosebank . In addition , BUTEC Services also has branches and diverse contracts in Durban , Cape Town , Botswana and Mozambique .
BUTEC has about 370 employees and a fleet of more than 77 vehicles across its offices in Cape Town , Johannesburg , Durban , Botswana and Mozambique . The company boasts in-house teams specialising in engineering , installation , maintenance and commissioning , complemented by experienced project managers . Further , BUTEC ’ s computerised maintenance programme ensures real-time updates for the planned preventative maintenance system , overseeing maintenance schedules and enabling live tracking of all maintenance services provided to clients . This information is conveniently accessible via an online application .
Moreover , BUTEC has an in-house , accredited skills development centre ( which has previously been profiled in RACA Journal ), offering comprehensive training programmes presented by a full-time training officer . The courses cater to various industry needs such as trade test preparation , National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 short skills programmes , safe handling of refrigerants , HVAC learnerships , HVAC apprenticeships and more .
The event ended with the MC having the entire audience up and dancing on their feet . RACA
DUTEC group chairman Ziad Younes .
Fady Abou Jaoude , general manager BUTEC Utility Services .
Master of ceremonies Zak Zikalala .
“ In Johannesburg , the division has various maintenance contracts in place at shopping centres such as Nelson Mandela Square , Mall of Africa , The Glen Shopping Centre
© RACA Journal © RACA Journal © RACA Journal and Mall of Rosebank .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2024 19