By Eamonn Ryan
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Techni Cool-Air Contracts stands as a family-owned leader in the HVAC&R industry.
From left to right – Adri Deysel (financial director), Elsie du Toit (director), Doly Ramatlhware, David Ramatlhware (BEE representative), Gerhard Jansen (technical director) and Jaco du Toit (managing director). Supplied by Techni Cool-Air Contracts
Founded in 1975 by Dave and Woody Wilson, the company has successfully navigated economic shifts and industry challenges, consistently prioritising sustainability, adaptability, and innovation. Over five decades, Techni Cool has built a strong reputation through significant projects, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and a culture rooted in integrity and hard work.
A key moment in the company’s early years came in 1977 with the addition of Pierre du Toit, its first qualified refrigeration technician, whose expertise was crucial in establishing the foundation for future growth. Evolving from a small family business, Techni Cool has become a major player in the HVAC&R sector, undertaking large-scale projects for notable clients. A key milestone was the amalgamation of Pierre and son Jaco’s businesses in 2002, becoming Techni Cool-Air Contracts (Pty) Ltd.
As a family business, Techni Cool has emphasised intergenerational knowledge transfer. Jaco du Toit, the current managing director, acknowledges the complexities of family business transitions but remains confident in the company’s future, attributing its longevity to honesty, resilience and sound decision-making.
“I was born into this industry and grew up watching it evolve. Even when I started Air Contracts and we were initially competing with my father’s business, we always kept family ties strong and ultimately merged the two businesses,” says Du Toit.
Techni Cool-Air Contracts success is underpinned by a leadership philosophy emphasising hands-on experience, transparency and continuous innovation. Unlike many corporate environments, its leadership is deeply involved in the technical and operational aspects, with many senior figures having started their careers in workshops. The company prioritises energy efficiency and sustainability, integrating solar energy solutions and environmentally responsible refrigeration systems into its business model.
A cornerstone of Techni Cool-Air Contracts hands-on leadership has been instilling a strong work ethic and a culture of continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to develop in-depth trade knowledge, enabling the company to excel in solving technical challenges. Operating on a foundation of transparency and collaboration, Techni Cool-Air Contracts values employee input, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation that translates to high-quality service. The company invests in professional growth through ongoing training and exposure to the latest technologies, strengthening its competitive edge.
Navigating industry and economic changes
In the early 1990s, Techni Cool faced one of its biggest industry shifts when it had to shift to focusing on repairs when called out, rather than simply purchasing new air conditioning units. This strategy proved essential, as it strengthened the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship. While competitors focused on quick replacements, Techni Cool built its expertise in diagnosing and repairing complex systems, creating a loyal customer base.
This adaptability extended to adjusting operations based on economic and geographic changes, including establishing a presence in Rustenburg to capitalise on the booming mining industry’s need for specialised cooling solutions.
The company also adapted to evolving logistics due to the rise of road freight in the 2000s. With truck transportation becoming the dominant mode of moving goods and materials, the company had to adjust its supply chain strategies to ensure efficiency in delivering equipment and services to clients.
“At Techni Cool-Air Contracts, innovation is not optional—it is a necessity. We continuously seek out and implement the latest advancements in HVAC&R technology, from VRV/VRF systems to multiplex systems used in hospitals and commercial applications. This commitment to modernisation and hybrid systems has allowed us to provide efficient and cutting-edge solutions, earning the trust of both clients and consultants,” says Du Toit.
Refrigeration has always been a core component of Techni Cool’s expertise. From the very beginning, the company has specialised in cold chain solutions, cold rooms and freezer systems, all of which are crucial in industries such as healthcare and food preservation. During the pandemic, Techni Cool-Air Contracts work on cold storage solutions, including mortuaries, isolation rooms and large ventilated and sterilised virus-free halls became even more vital especially in the ventilation field assisting nationally. The company’s deep technical knowledge and hands-on approach have made it a trusted partner in projects requiring precise temperature control and ventilation.
“This strong technical foundation has also been instrumental in Techni Cool-Air Contracts expansion into large-scale hospital projects. The company has successfully worked on hospitals and clinics across South Africa, including projects in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Pretoria and Johannesburg. By collaborating closely with consultants and clients, we ensure that every project meets the highest standards of efficiency and reliability,” he adds.
Techni Cool-Air Contracts resilience is best exemplified by its response to workforce challenges, particularly during a significant labour strike in 2014. When employees went on strike at a critical point in several major projects, the company refused to be derailed. Instead of yielding to pressure, leadership took direct action—informing clients of the situation and committing to completing the projects on time. The company’s management and remaining staff worked tirelessly, even receiving additional labour support from building contractors who admired Techni Cool-Air Contracts’ dedication. “The result? The projects were completed ahead of schedule, reinforcing the company’s reputation for reliability and determination,” says du Toit.
The company has integrated energy-efficient solutions, such as heat exchange systems, booster pumps for hospitals and solar-powered refrigeration units. A notable recent project involved a large-scale hospital installation where Techni Cool-Air Contracts incorporated VRV/VRF systems with heat exchangers to boost water temperatures to 65°C for Intensive Care Unit (ICU)’s and wards while conditioning operating theatres, thereby improving efficiency.
Defining projects that shaped Techni Cool-Air Contracts reputation
Over the years, Techni Cool-Air Contracts has undertaken numerous projects that have cemented its reputation as a leader in HVAC and refrigeration. Among its most defining contracts was a significant project for Eskom. This involved a sophisticated heat-exchange system for the utility provider, including cooling mechanisms for transformer fusing—a process requiring extreme precision due to the enormous energy involved.
Another milestone was Techni Cool-Air Contracts early adoption of VRV/VRF and inverter systems for EXXARO mine in Lephalale back in 2012. The company’s ability to execute such an advanced installation set it apart as an early adopter of cutting-edge HVAC solutions. The company’s experience in underground air conditioning also dates back to 1996, when it installed systems for training centres within Rustenburg Platinum Mines, demonstrating its longstanding expertise in the field.
One of Techni Cool-Air Contracts’ most challenging ventures took place in Kuruman in the Northen Cape, an area known for its extreme heat, earning it the nickname ‘Hot as Hell’. The unforgiving climate required an adaptive work schedule where labourers had to cease operations during peak heat hours and resume later. The project involved inverter technology, solar collectors for hot water and underfloor heating in an early venture into renewable energy integration.
Looking ahead, Techni Cool-Air Contracts recognises that South Africa’s biggest challenge in the HVAC and refrigeration industry will be energy efficiency. With increasing demand across various sectors, the country’s power infrastructure struggles to keep up. As a result, energy-efficient systems are becoming more critical than ever. Techni Cool-Air Contracts is positioning itself to lead in this space by partnering with key global manufacturers like Daikin, Mitsubishi, Hisense, Metraclark, Gree and Toshiba—companies that are driving advancements in energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration technology.
“A promising development in the field is generator-powered VRV/VRF condensers, which integrate a built-in power source. While this innovation is gaining traction in markets like Japan, the high cost of diesel in South Africa presents a challenge for widespread adoption. Nevertheless, we remain open to exploring alternative energy sources to reduce HVAC systems’ reliance on the national grid,” says Du Toit and added that, “we should not forget a very important component ‘insulation’ – which is the basis of energy efficiency by creating greener spaces”.
