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Business
JOHNSON CONTROLS SA’ S STRATEGIC CHANNEL PARTNERSHIP AND AFTERMARKET FOCUS
Contributed by Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, a global leader in HVAC & R solutions with a workforce of approximately 100 000 employees, boasts a rich history of innovation.
From inventing the first thermostat 140 years ago, to acquiring the esteemed York brand – a 150-year-old air conditioning powerhouse – Johnson Controls has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology. Its pioneering spirit is underscored by historical collaborations with Thomas Edison, including the development of thermostats and fire suppression systems.
Under the leadership of Vishan Ramnarian, the newly appointed general manager and director for the Middle East and Africa( MEA) region, Johnson Controls is transforming its go-to-market strategy in South Africa. The shift to a channel partner model enables greater flexibility and responsiveness in the competitive and dynamic sales environment, while Johnson Controls retains its core focus on servicing, commissioning and aftermarket supply.
CHANNEL PARTNERSHIPS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA To better serve the sub-Saharan African market, Johnson Controls has forged strategic partnerships with Airotech and Climate Control Warehouse:
• Airotech, led by Gert Deale, former Johnson Controls sales director, is responsible for all HVAC chiller sales in sub-Saharan Africa. Airotech leverages its expertise to provide tailored solutions for local needs, focusing on maximising efficiency and performance.
• Climate Control Warehouse, managed by Christo Schlecter, former Johnson Controls DX sales manager, oversees the distribution of York DX equipment, including the Hitachi VRF systems.
The partnership ensures a comprehensive offering of advanced DX solutions that meet the region ' s growing demand for energy-efficient cooling technologies. Once Johnson Controls finalises its strategic EUR8-billion deal with Bosch, Climate Control Warehouse will transition its DX portfolio to Bosch products.
INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION EXPERTISE For industrial refrigeration needs, Johnson Controls offers its renowned Frick and Sabroe brands directly through Johnson Controls International. These world-class refrigeration solutions are tailored for industries such as food and beverage production, cold storage and mining, ensuring reliability, efficiency and long-term value in demanding applications.
AFTERMARKET SERVICES AND OEM COMMITMENT Johnson Controls continues to prioritise aftermarket services by maintaining full-cycle support for its products. The company offers a national footprint with offices in Johannesburg, Carletonville, Cape Town and Durban, delivering factory-trained technicians, original equipment and Planned Service Agreements( PSAs) to ensure preventative maintenance and system longevity.
Ramnarian emphasises the importance of proactive servicing: " Preventative care ensures predictability, system health and long-term cost savings for clients. As the OEM, we are committed to offering the highest level of support throughout the product lifecycle."
DATA CENTRES: YVAM MAGNETIC BEARING CHILLER
The growth of data centres in Africa has created a critical need for advanced cooling solutions. Johnson Controls has responded with the YORK YVAM Magnetic Bearing Chiller, an innovative product engineered specifically for data centre applications.
METASYS AND OPENBLUE: COMPREHENSIVE BUILDING AUTOMATION AND CONNECTED SYSTEMS
Johnson Controls ' Metasys Building Automation System is a
Vishan Ramnarian, the newly appointed general manager and director for the Middle East and Africa( MEA) region.
Gert Deale, sales manager at Airotech.
world-leading solution for centralised management, monitoring and optimisation of building systems. With three key channel partners in South Africa – Atbro( Johannesburg), Cape Automation Systems( Cape Town) and ITD( Port Elizabeth) – Johnson Controls ensures that Metasys is accessible to clients across the region.
The JCI Durban team serves the KwaZulu-Natal and broader African markets, acting as subject matter experts for Metasys installations. They collaborate closely with channel partners and clients, escalating complex technical issues to Johnson Controls ' global technical team to ensure rapid and thorough solutions.
Metasys empowers businesses to analyse and manage facility operations through real-time reporting and control of HVAC, lighting, security and other building systems.
Complementing Metasys is OpenBlue, Johnson Controls ' advanced connected platform, which uses artificial intelligence( AI) and IoT technologies to integrate and optimise building systems. OpenBlue enables connected chillers, allowing real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance and operational insights to maximise efficiency and
All images by © RACA Journal
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RACA Journal I November 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za