Events and Exhibitions
EVAPCO SOUTH AFRICA , 40 YEARS ON …
Introduction by André van der Merwe , information by Evapco South Africa team , compilation and edits by Benjamin Brits
From humble beginnings in an old power plant in downtown Baltimore , USA , this company has grown to be the largest global and most successful business of its kind .
Established with the objective of dedicated design and manufacturing of the highest quality evaporative cooling products for several sectors around the globe , including manufacturing , processing and industrial refrigeration , Evapco Incorporated ( USA ) was founded in 1976 by messers William Kahlert and Wilson Bradley .
In 1979 , Evapco expanded into Europe and then in 1980 set their sights on the South African market .
As the local operation was being set up and established , the first units were fully imported in knockdown form and assembled in a small plant in Sebenza , Johannesburg . In March of 1982 Evapco SA formally produced its first , fully locally-built cooling tower , which is considered their genesis unit . By 1989 Evapco SA had moved to a larger facility in Elandsfontein , and in 1993 relocated to the current facility in Isando .
The first 10 years of operation were challenging , with limited growth . In 1992 messers John Stevens and Rutledge Boyes joined Evapco and with their extensive industry experience and local business acumen , provided the stimulus the business needed to thrive . With John & Rutledge at the helm , Evapco SA grew into one of the major players in the South African market . Their main commitment was based on fanatical customer service and product quality . A passion for building and establishing long-term relationships with clients and service providers alike were the key factors in their success .
FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR On Thursday the 27 th of October 2022 , we celebrated our 40 th anniversary with a get-together function at our factory . Many of the customers at the function had procured their first Evapco unit in the early 80s . This is testament to the focus on building relationships .
On the Friday Evapco celebrated the anniversary with staff and families . At this function we presented various long service awards to 26 staff members , some of whom achieving their 30 th year with Evapco . Combined we had 300 years of service , which is an outstanding achievement in itself .
Here at Evapco we believe ‘ people make the difference ’ and it takes a comprehensive network to achieve success . My sincere thanks and appreciation go to our customers , to the suppliers , to our representative agents and all staff at team Evapco SA .
Globally and locally Evapco ’ s longevity is due to its ongoing commitment to product research and development and focusing on environmental responsibility .
We never stop innovating . We set out to find ground-breaking solutions that transform the way the world works for the better . It ’ s why we have more than 50 active US patents and nearly 200 foreign counterparts . We also guarantee performance by putting every solution through rigorous research and testing to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability .
Evapco is more than a name . We are the global innovator in heat transfer solutions for the commercial HVAC , industrial refrigeration , power and industrial process markets . We pledge to make everyday life easier , more comfortable , more reliable and more sustainable for people everywhere .
Innovation and environmental sustainability go hand-inhand at Evapco . Our industrial heat transfer equipment not only conserves natural resources and helps reduce noise pollution , from sound reduction to water conservation and to chemical elimination , we are developing new technologies that deliver ultimate operating advantages to our clients while protecting the planet for every generation to come .
In the words of our president & chief executive officer , Mr Bill Bartley , ‘ Evapco for Life ’ sums up our commitment . It is our promise that we will always provide you with the most innovative and most reliable products , created and built by the best people in the industry . By choosing Evapco , you ’ re letting us know that we ’ re doing the best job possible for you .
We thank you , not only for your business , but for inspiring our message . By working together with you , Evapco has been able to consistently breed a level of innovation , craftmanship and professionalism that our competitors find difficult to match ! We couldn ’ t do it without you !
Signed : André van der Merwe
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I January 2023 21