By Eamonn Ryan with technical input from Naas Massyn Toshiba HVAC Sales Manager – Inland from AHI Carrier; Graham Bloom, owner of HVAC contractor Cool Reactions; and project manager Derrick Kuun of Ackermans Pharmacy.
Ackerman Pharmacy celebrates 75th anniversary with expanded premises – cooled by Toshiba.
“The façade of the recently relocated Ackermans Pharmacy in Primrose, Johannesburg.” All images by © RACA Journal
When Ackermans Pharmacy relocated to larger premises across the road in Primrose, Johannesburg, the move was hampered by the constraint of a maximum electrical capacity of 150 amps. It found a solution with Toshiba’s SMMSu heat pump that falls well within its electricity supply.
The retrofit was project managed by Derrick Kuun of Ackermans Pharmacy; Graham Bloom, owner of HVAC contractor Cool Reactions; and Naas Massyn Toshiba HVAC Sales Manager – Inland from AHI Carriers.
Kuun emphasises the challenge of finding a system that could operate within this restriction while meeting the demands of a modern pharmaceutical facility. Bloom explains that Toshiba was selected for providing the most cost-effective price that met all the criteria – and had stock available. Toshiba developed the design.
“We opted for the most energy-efficient system available suited to open plan conditions and falling within the 150 amp threshold,” explains Massyn, referring to the Toshiba heat pump system. As the largest heat pump installation to date that Toshiba has been involved in, the system boasts an energy efficiency rating of A4. The system utilises a high-efficiency DC twin-inverter compressor and operates with R410A refrigerant. It offers outstanding energy efficiencies at partial load conditions, which represent most of the operation conditions. It achieves a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.25 under certain conditions.
The team.
The renovated building was equipped with solar panels to improve the store’s energy efficiency during daylight hours. The transformation of Ackermans Pharmacy has not been without its hurdles. Bloom sheds light on the challenges faced and the innovative solutions that paved the way for the pharmacy’s modernisation. “One of the biggest challenges was the electrical requirement. We had to find a solution that could operate within the limited 150-amp constraint.”
This led them to opt for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) 64 horsepower (two X 22 hp and one 20 hp) condenser banks over traditional split units, despite a higher initial capital outlay. In fact, says Bloom, the system is currently drawing less power than had initially been expected, once the operating temperature is reached.
Collaboration played a crucial role in overcoming challenges. “We worked closely with the pharmacy management and Toshiba to design a system that met both energy efficiency and operational needs,” Bloom says. This collaborative effort ensured that every aspect of the installation was meticulously planned and executed, addressing concerns such as security and operational reliability.
“We were able to meet the client’s budget expectations by utilising cost-effective cassette units instead of more expensive ducting and diffusion systems. This approach not only saved costs but also ensured efficient distribution of air throughout the pharmacy, eliminating dead spots and enhancing customer comfort,” says Bloom.
To blend in with the black décor of the store, it was important that the ducting and air cassettes were also black.
Massyn emphasises the importance of energy efficiency in their choice of equipment. “The SMMSu (Super Modular Multi system) heat pump units we installed are Eurovent certified, which guarantees their energy efficiency standards–a critical factor often overlooked in South Africa,” he notes.
“To blend in with the black décor of the store, it was important that the ducting and air cassettes were also black.”
In addition to the heart pumps, equipment includes:
- Ten 16kW cassettes fresh air ducted units and fire interlock
- Three fresh air units
- Toshiba Inverter Rotary compressor, the main feature of which is high efficiency on part load
It beat any competitive system through price and efficiency, says Massyn. The equipment was sourced directly from Toshiba’s factory in Thailand, adhering to industry standards for original equipment manufacturing (OEM).
“Our Toshiba inverter technology is different to most of the rest of the market, 95% of which is dominated by inverter scroll compressors as opposed to our inverter rotary compressor.
This is particularly advantageous when it comes to part loads, an area in which we excel. This is highly cost effective for operations as part load efficiency is important because it allows the system to adjust its output to match the actual demand, leading to smoother operation and more energy-efficient performance.
The installation features strategically placed cassettes providing both cooling and fresh air circulation throughout the open-plan layout of the pharmacy. “Heat pumps were the ideal choice for our open-plan setup,” adds Massyn, highlighting the system’s adaptability and efficiency in large, integrated spaces.
The logistical challenges were not limited to technical specifications alone; the placement of condensing units on the carpark roof posed a unique physical challenge. However, these hurdles were navigated successfully, thanks to meticulous planning and coordination among the project team.
Ackermans Pharmacy positioned as a destination pharmacy
Founded in 1948 by its namesake, Mr Ackerman, the pharmacy has evolved significantly over its 75-year history. From a single storefront to a thriving enterprise under the stewardship of current owner Jan van Wyk and now his son, Johan van Wyk, the pharmacy has remained independent and steadfast in its commitment to quality service. It is an independent business separate from any other similarly-named retailers.
“This led them to opt for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) 64 horsepower (two X 22 hp and one 20 hp) condenser banks over traditional split units, despite a higher initial capital outlay.”
The relocation and renovation of Ackermans Pharmacy represented a need for expanded premises given its strong growth as a price leader in the sector and the growth of its delivery model. Its former pharmacy site has been repurposed into a medical suite, accommodating various specialised services with eight doctors catering to a wide spectrum of 12 different medical needs.
Ackermans Pharmacy practices community support and growth through expansive operations and deep roots in the local landscape serving its diverse clientele.
“We give back to the community, and they support us,” explains Kuun, reflecting on the pharmacy’s extensive patronage that stretches beyond its immediate neighbourhood. “The pharmacy’s footprint extends far beyond its physical location: people come from not just Primrose, but Edenvale, Bedfordview and Boksburg, while deliveries serve Sandton, Bryanston and as far away as Fourways—making us a destination for health services and product deliveries.”
Ackerman Pharmacy is more than a place to pick up prescriptions, with over 500 daily deliveries facilitated by a fleet of 20 scooters and an expanding online presence. “We sell about 8 000 flu vaccines monthly during winter and up to 60 000 litres of water in a standard month, as well as basket of basic household products,” Kuun adds, highlighting the pharmacy’s integral role in meeting community health and retail needs. It is also in the process of establishing an illy coffee shop. Future expansion is likely to be in the direction of wholesaling, potentially under the brand name AckerPharm, he adds.
Reflecting on the broader context of the project, Kuun mentioned the evolving neighbourhood dynamics. “Primrose, where the pharmacy is located, has seen significant changes over the decades. From its Portuguese community roots to its current bustling traffic, adapting to these changes while maintaining operational integrity was key.”
“The renovated building was equipped with solar panels to improve the store’s energy efficiency during daylight hours.”
The pharmacy’s unique requirements, particularly regarding temperature control, were also a focal point. “Being a pharmacy, precise temperature control is crucial. The new system ensures that medication and sensitive products are stored under optimal conditions, meeting regulatory standards,” says Kuun.
“Medication isn’t just like any other product; it’s sensitive to temperature and humidity. The stability and shelf life of medications are rigorously tested under controlled conditions of humidity and temperature, simulating various environmental factors to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards.”
Kuun explains that manufacturers and regulatory bodies oversee this crucial process. “Manufacturers and the South African Pharmacy Council ensure that medications are transported and stored under specified conditions based on good pharmacy practice standards. From manufacturing to distribution to retail, temperature control throughout the cold chain is integral to maintaining medication integrity. The temperature in a pharmacy has to be maintained below 25°C, something typically printed on the packaging of any medication.”
Even during delivery, strict protocols are observed.
“Manufacturer’s delivery vehicles are equipped with small air conditioning units to regulate temperature. For medications like insulin, which require temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, specialised refrigeration is employed to ensure product safety.”
“The SMMSu (Super Modular Multi system) heat pump units we installed are Eurovent certified.”
For retail client deliveries by scooter during varying weather conditions, Kuun says that measures are in place to mitigate temperature risks. “In colder months, like winter, the impact is low, but for sensitive medications like antibiotics, we use insulated ice boxes with ice packs to maintain optimal conditions during transit,” he adds.
Reflecting on the business philosophy that has guided Ackerman Pharmacy for decades, Kuun describes it as a strategy of low margins and high volume, coupled with a focus on becoming a destination for a diverse range of products and services.
He says there is a huge market for such a model given the majority of South Africans cannot afford medical schemes and are consequently highly price conscious for what is after all a grudge purchase. “From selling bread and water to specialised medical equipment, we aim to cater to our community’s diverse needs,” he remarks.
| LIST OF PROFESSIONALS: | ||
| Name of company | ||
| Owner | Ackermans Pharmacy, Primrose | |
| Contractors | HVAC & R | Cool Reaction |
| HVAC and associated product suppliers | AHI Carrier/Toshiba | |
