www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 11
Events and Exhibitions
NO LONGER JUST A COIL MANUFACTURER
By Eamonn Ryan
As part of its upskilling mandate , SAIRAC organises various site visits with its members . This time it was the turn of the HC Group of Companies . RACA Journal was there to capture the event .
The proceedings were opened by CEO , Robert Kruger . He drew from the past and relayed anecdotes about the company ' s modest origins and its development through time , as well as the high points and accomplishments of his entrepreneurial journey .
“ When I started working at this business , it had just 1 000m 2 and 19 employees . We are hosting today because we are at an exciting stage in our development : today we are no longer just a coil manufacturer , though it remains one of our divisions . The company has 480 employees , and its economic activities affect just under 10 000 people directly . Our headquarters spans just under 22 000m 2 and our RRC facility which manufactures cabinets is just 5km away . Innovation has always been at the heart of everything we do .”
Kruger introduced his executive team , who are the driving force behind the business ’ s success , highlighting each member ’ s unique responsibilities , expanding on their knowledge and expertise , and outlining their role in leading the organisation to the next level .
Preggy Chettiar , business development executive , continued : “ Our growth has been organic and purposeful , fitting together like pieces of a puzzle . In 2001 the business was acquired by management . In 2007 , our commercial refrigeration range was added , followed by the acquisition of the Recoil business in 2009 . Our refrigeration division was added in 2013 , thereby expanding our offerings . In 2015 , we moved to these new premises , and in 2016 , we expanded further , bringing in a new division known as the HVAC division . In 2019 , we added a new business known as RRC . Years 2020 and 2021 welcomed two new businesses – Engineering Solutions and CAAS ( Cooling as a Service ). Following that , our RRC facility was opened in 2022 where we manufacture cabinets . This year we moved into the UAE and US .
“ Today , we are a one-stop-shop for our clients , as our value-added service offering expands . We have integrated our products vertically , offering everything from coils to switchboards to condensing units . We opened a value-adding business called Engineering Solutions , which focuses on system design , installation and support , monitoring , enhancement as well as
All photos by © Eamonn Ryan | RACA Journal
Preggy Chettiar , business development executive .
Robert Kruger , CEO of the HC Group of Companies .
service and maintenance , this is done by our highly skilled affiliate partners ,” said Chettiar .
HC is often not visible to the layperson , but its products enhance the performance of almost every aspect of life , providing filtration and comfort to ensure a safe environment . “ Our products are everywhere , even if you haven ' t noticed them . We add value to every sector of the economy , from small two-by-two cold-rooms to large distribution centres . We are involved in every sector of the economy , from pharmaceutical , to mining , to the petrochemical industry . Our custom-built products suit even the most stringent requirements . We
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 11