Despite growing competition in the South African geyser market and the generally depressed economic state of the country, global thermic comfort solutions provider Ariston Thermo Group has continued to achieve constant growth in the local market because of its high-quality products, says Ariston Thermo South Africa country manager Emanuele Stano.

“While maintaining a strong link to its Italian origins, the group has always been on the lookout for opportunities to expand its operations in the international market and consolidate a leadership position in fast-growing economies. “The South African market has always been of interest to the group’s global expansion plans and, following our success here, we will continue to grow our presence and uphold our commitment to setting the standard for high-quality product in the local market.”

The group has been present in South Africa since 2014 through its subsidiary Heat Tech Geysers, and Stano highlights that this acquisition has been instrumental in enabling Ariston Thermo Group to enter the market and continue investing in product development. The group’s electric and solar storage water heaters are manufactured at its plant in Centurion, Pretoria, and the brand has become well-known among retailers, installers and end-users.

In South Africa, Ariston Thermo is predominantly focused on the manufacture and supply of geysers for domestic applications, with geysers locally manufactured in sizes ranging from between 50 ℓ and 250 ℓ and smaller 10 ℓ, 15 ℓ and 30 ℓ models imported from Italy. With other products, such as heat pump water heaters, the company can also meet the demands of architects who want to offer customers innovative and energy efficient solutions.

“We are approaching new channels and new markets where we see potential for growth and will work closely with consultants and architects to anticipate and drive market trends, offering competitive, higher-quality options to end-users.”

Stano notes that, in the current economic climate, risk and cost management is becoming a primary focus for businesses and individuals, highlighting that Ariston Thermo’s South African brand, Heat Tech, is, thus, gaining popularity, owing to its reliability. The group’s designs have, moreover, been adapted to meet the unique local specifications for geysers, while maintaining the highest international standards in terms of performance, as well as safety and environmental aspects.

With energy consumption growing globally, influenced by the socioeconomic and industrial development of emerging countries, together with the already significant consumption of highly developed regions, energy efficiency is at the heart of the group’s product offerings. Stano notes that, in addition to being costly, inefficient energy use also has a significant effect on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) being emitted into the atmosphere, threatening global environmental sustainability. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2016 report, energy efficiency represents a key area for curbing global CO₂ emissions, with as much of 39% of global carbon emissions reducible through using energy efficient products.

“Efficient products and processes can make a decisive contribution to reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts, without sacrificing comfort. Ariston Thermo intends to play a lead role in this scenario, with our ability to combine energy efficiency with innovative design that harnesses renewable-energy sources, thereby providing a key contribution to the future of thermic comfort.”

Stano highlights that the group will continue to invest in its South African operations to form a strong base for future expansion further into Southern Africa.