www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I January 2024 7
News
FABRICAIR SECURES AFRICAN MARKET
By Eamonn Ryan
FabricAir , a global fabric ducting solutions company , commemorates increased geographic access with the acquisition of a new subsidiary in South Africa . The local subsidiary , EDS t / a FabricAir South Africa , already demonstrates its value with robust annual growth figures .
This crucial milestone marks a solidified position in South Africa , a prime location for further growth across the African continent . With a head office in Copenhagen , manufacturing in Lithuania , and a regional Middle Eastern and African office based in Turkey , the establishment of a flagship office for Africa , expands their global reach .
Now appointed as general manager Africa , David Mitchell had already secured several projects driving African expansion and emerged as an ideal partner for continental growth during his visit to the Copenhagen headquarters . This pivotal moment initiated Mitchell ’ s buyout of his national partner , and the subsequent establishment of a formalised African sector . He reflects , “ Having worked as the territory ’ s sole distributor for FabricAir since 2014 , I am delighted to be a part of a company that is constantly widening its global growth . Our market has vast potential for fabric-based air dispersion solutions , and I look forward to scaling our presence across new territories .”
Mitchell will facilitate the expected significant surge in opportunity in the African market . He will report directly to Brian Refsgaard , CEO at FabricAir , who defines the value of this upscaling saying , “ FabricAir prides itself on being convenient to our customers and meeting their needs . Opening the new subsidiary will further ensure that we can deliver on our objectives and stated values ,” he adds .
FabricAir is now better positioned to meet the growing worldwide demand for its innovative and sustainable air dispersion systems . This development is a sound investment in their African expansion bringing expertise and a commitment to deliver high quality products .
“ With streamlined ownership in 2021 , growth efficiency improved – and the South African market position was strengthened , as was happening globally when FabricAir became the global market leader ,” says Mitchell . “ The priorities for the future of my business are appropriate resourcing for expansion into Africa , and the implementation of governance
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FabricAir Africa managing director , Dave Mitchell .
“ This development is a sound investment in their African expansion bringing expertise and a commitment to deliver high quality products .”
structures . These will serve as a foundation for a suitable succession plan as I approach retirement ,” he adds .
The agreement forecasts Mitchell overseeing African expansion for a minimum of five years , while mentoring a suitable successor . He notes that , “ The intricacies of South African operations require first-hand experience in the market .”
Since the acquisition , FabricAir has been focused on formalising the business and strengthening its operations within the South African market . The opening of FabricAir South Africa ’ s Cape Town office on 1 October 2023 , adds to FabricAir ’ s network of 16 intercontinental subsidiaries and vast network of worldwide distributors . One of FabricAir ’ s core values , being close to its clients , is exemplified in this vital expansion . RACA
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I January 2024 7