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into the processing industry . Between 2013 and 2022 , ZUID has completed numerous projects throughout South Africa - and into Africa with a footprint extending to Zambia , Zimbabwe , Kenya , Nigeria and Angola . Zuid ’ s strategy to diversify into the food processing industry has essentially been key to its success ”, says Bezuidenhout .
Venn and Bezuidenhout had maintained contact and a good relationship over the years , often calling on each other to discuss the challenges that the industry presented . It was during the Covid lockdown that Venn had come to the conclusion to act on his objective of retirement , and so after much consideration it was decided to group the two companies and operate Embassy Air and Zuid under one roof , thus making the team one of the largest HVAC companies in the Western Cape .
The objective of this incorporation , that officially happened in 2021 , was to consolidate expenses , workload and skillsets - which would also provide the company an exceptional competitive advantage in the market . Venn , who was effectively the mentor of Bezuidenhout and the whole management team , now leaves his 30-year legacy intact for the next generation to take forward .
Claassen , who has a total of 23 years of service with Embassy Air , and who has been responsible for the running of that business for the last few years , has taken up the challenge of operations director for the incorporated businesses with Rautenbach ( who has been with Embassy Air for 19 years ) having taken on the role as contracts director .
Camilla Bezuidenhout , who successfully ran the service department at Zuid , was tasked to build a team to manage a combined service department of 14 technical crews which has been a notable challenge , however hugely successful .
Over the last 30 years Embassy Air has built up a team with a huge amount of experience in all aspects of HVAC & R that is backed by the required number of resources , and efficient administration staff .
“ Our success since the company ’ s founding can be attributed to employing the right people and earning a great track record that results in a loyal client base - some of which we have served continually from the start three decades ago . We have , of course , had some tough times and projects over the last 30 years , but with an enthusiastic team we have always come through in the end which now stands us in good stead for success over the next 30 years ”, says Venn .
Considering how the business environment has changed over the years , Bezuidenhout notes that air conditioning contracting has become , in some part “ commoditised ”, making it a very difficult market segment to operate in , but with good management in all aspects , construction projects can still yield profits .
The forward plans of the business in terms of focus areas and staying relevant , “ Ever-changing is the key word and it ’ s
One of the recent projects completed by Zuid HVAC & Process Engineering .
The entire incorporated team of management and staff outside their offices in Cape Town .
important that seasoned companies don ’ t lose sight of the importance to adapt to the times . Diversification will also mitigate the risks of the volatile sectors . There will forever be a demand for air-conditioning in South Africa . Many years ago , having an aircon was almost ‘ taboo ’ but today it ’ s hardly even an option to not have air conditioning . It is therefore a positive prediction for the future of air conditioning and at the same time unfortunate with the resulting negative impact on the environment and the demand for more energy . That is why it ’ s critical for the industry to innovate and explore solutions out of our comfort zone - to provide solutions that integrate better with renewable energy ”, concludes Bezuidenhout . RACA
" Earning a great track record results in a loyal client base ."
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I June 2022 7