www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2024 3
News
CONGRATULATIONS TO HVAC DISTRIBUTORS ON THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY !
Local manufacturer HVAC Distributors recently celebrated its 10th anniversary . The heating , ventilation and air conditioning component- , product- and systems-supplier is based in Johannesburg .
Shamlin Govender , director , describes how the company had arisen from the liquidation of an earlier company called EuropAir Africa . “ When EuropAir went into liquidation in May 2013 , it caught all of us by surprise . Nevertheless , three months later , I was approached by my current partners to open up a similar company and we called it HVAC Distributors , with myself in charge of the day-to-day running of the business .”
By getting up and running so quickly , the business ensured continuity with its large client base of primarily air-conditioning contractors , the bulk of which it retains to this day , explains Govender . The company ’ s customer base has since grown through referrals from satisfied customers who have used their products and services and been impressed by them . Word of mouth has been a significant source of new business for the company . Even though the business is 10 years old , it effectively has a 20-year history with many of its clients .
“ We pride ourselves on using quality materials that are South African Bureau of Standards ( SABS ) certified . The company has consequently taken a fair amount of market share in the flexible ducting product sector , which is a big market for us . What we don ’ t manufacture ourselves , we import from a single supplier in China .”
He explains that the product range was a matter of trial and error – over the years responding to what clients asked for and gradually broadening its basket of products with the aim of becoming a one-stop-shop to its client base . “ Except the actual air conditioner , the contractor can get everything else from HVAC Distributors for an installation .”
Govender describes a recent highlight for the company as being the launch of its EZ bracket – a product that can be used in a wide range of sectors : air conditioning , data centres , electrical and solar panels . “ It ’ s a highly versatile bracket that can be used for more than one application . Our locally manufactured products include flexible ducting , diffusers , grills , duct lock range , volume control dampers , accessories like washers , access panels , and nuts and bolts , insulation , and a variety of tapes and adhesives . “ Initially , our focal point was on our duct lock range , then
it was the flexible ducting , and then the importation of various accessories .” Apart from its Johannesburg distribution point which has walk-in customers and deliveries throughout Gauteng , the company has distributors in Durban , and plans opening another in Cape Town . HVAC distributors has a good footprint in Botswana , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Nigeria , Angola , Swaziland , Mozambique , Mauritius and Seychelles and is looking at growing the export market .
As a local manufacturer , Govender says HVAC Distributors has a competitive edge over imports due to the rand / dollar exchange rate .
“ I am grateful to our customers for their support over the past 10 years – and in many cases even 20 years – and look forward to serving them for many more years to come ,” says Govender . RACA
Images by RACA Journal
Shamlin Govender , HVAC Distributors director .
“ Initially , our focal point was on our duct lock range , then it was the flexible ducting , and then the importation of various accessories .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2024 3