Robcool Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning has been a community staple for over 40 years, maintaining its excellent reputation through a change of ownership in 2017.

Founded by Rob Carr in a rented chicken run in 1983, the business moved to its home in Umhlali a year later, where it remains to this day. Alongside the Courier, which opened in 1985, Robcool was a pioneering business in the community and Carr worked tirelessly to get it off the ground.

“I was very hands-on from the beginning, mostly working with farmers and picking up business from the clientele of the famous Lali Hotel on the main street,” said Carr.

“Soon we grew to the point where we needed to expand and built extra workshop space. Some of that extra space was rented to tenants who have also stayed on for decades.”

Carr became known for his friendly efficiency, supported by long-serving staff who became integral to the business. Of special mention is Saras Govender, who was his right-hand lady for over 20 years. When he looked to retire in 2017, he hoped to find a buyer who would take on both the staff and the workshop.

“Along came Weir Pillay, the current owner, and we quickly agreed on terms. It was as smooth a process as I could have hoped for and I am now enjoying my retirement,” he said.

Pillay, a lifelong lecturer specialising for 27 years in refrigeration and air-conditioning, had recently returned from 15 years in New Zealand and was looking for a new challenge. On returning to KwaZulu-Natal, Pillay was appointed provincial trade inspector and commissioner of oaths before catching wind of the Robcool opportunity.

“I saw a post that Rob was looking to sell and thought to myself, ‘I still have the energy to give the best I can to this craft,'” said Pillay.

“After so many years of technical education, I was looking forward to running a business where I could use my experience.”

Pillay remains passionate about passing on his skills to the next generation of artisans through work programmes. As for the business itself, Robcool continues to provide quality service in air-conditioning installation, maintenance and servicing, as well as refrigeration repairs.

“We believe our first responsibility is to the customer and we strive to be examples in our community,” said Pillay.

Find Robcool behind Cindy’s in Umhlali. Call 032 947 1368 for more information.

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