Danfoss, a multi-national Danish engineering company, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in South Africa, marking three decades of growth and expansion in the region. Founded in 1933 by Danish engineer Mads Clausen, Danfoss has evolved into a global enterprise employing over 42,000 individuals worldwide. The company has recently focused on integrating its local presence in South Africa, following several strategic acquisitions, with the aim of leveraging its operations in the country to drive further expansion throughout Africa.
Danfoss offers a wide range of energy solutions and expertise, with a strong commitment to energy efficiency and decarbonisation. The company’s portfolio includes solutions for reducing power consumption, minimising food loss and waste, improving cooling and heating systems, optimising wastewater treatment, and enhancing mining productivity. The company has embraced an “energy efficiency first” principle and is actively working towards achieving carbon neutrality in its global operations by 2030. In South Africa, Danfoss aims to be the preferred partner for decarbonisation initiatives.
“To mark 30 years of pioneering sustainable growth together, and looking forward to going from strength to strength, both locally and on the continent, we crowned this anniversary with a local celebration for our partners, customers and colleagues, in which Danfoss honoured local traditions within the ongoing priority of ‘engineering South Africa’s tomorrow’”, said Emil Berning, Country Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
This mission aligns with the company’s core values of increasing machine productivity, reducing emissions, lowering energy consumption, and promoting electrification. The celebration of this milestone reaffirmed Danfoss’s commitment to continued growth and innovation in South Africa and across the continent.
Danfoss solutions find applications in various industries, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, automotive, marine, and off- and on-highway equipment. The company also provides solutions for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as district-energy infrastructure for cities.
Ziad Al Bawaliz, the Regional President for Turkey, Middle East and Africa, highlighted the importance of engineering in driving society forward and addressing key global challenges such as urbanisation, climate change, food and water supply, digitaliation and electrification.
With South Africa as a strategic hub, Danfoss looks to expand its operations throughout Africa and continue its commitment to engineering a greener tomorrow.
Author: Nomfundo Maseko
Kinged
While studying to be a CA, Nicholas Bell developed a merchandising app for SAB (South African Breweries), once he built one solution, he quickly acquired more clients and by the time he was preparing to do his articles, SAB gave him a three-year deal as part of their merchandising programme. At 22, while still living with his parents, his first business comprising four people had a turnover of R700 000. By the second year, turnover grew to R1.6 million. After six years, his turnover was R21 million, he employed 25 people with clients including Simba, Harmony, ArcelorMittal, SAB, and Sibanye Gold. Eight years later, Bell hit R100 million, then pivoted the business to ensure they couldn\’t be disrupted. He implemented an investor-led strategy, which will see the business doing 40% of its work offshore with a R500 million turnover in five years.