Invelaphi Engineering: Firmly rooted in quality customer service

Marketing & Sales Director Frans Mutola and Operations Director Gilbert Ovana started Invelaphi Engineering in 2008 and have succeeded in creating employment for 20 full time staff members so far.

“It’s been an exciting journey,” says Gilbert, “because we are able to learn lots of skills on a daily basis. Every satisfied client boosts our reputation in our industry and gives us more opportunity to grow.”

Based in Steeldale, Johannesburg, Invelaphi Engineering is an HVAC and refrigeration company that supplies, maintains, repairs and installs air-conditioning. “We also do LPG, medical gas and fire equipment,” says Frans, adding that what sets Invelaphi apart is “the drive and hunger we have to succeed, which is why we go all out in terms of satisfying our clients and believe in going the extra mile to provide quality in all we do”.

With their vision firmly set in becoming a preferred service provider for air-conditioning and mechanical works around the country, the two men started the business to ensure their own personal financial security and employ others, who could then do the same.

“We learned how to market the business and also how to retain business. Invelaphi Engineering has definitely grown and has become sustainable. We have moved into our new workshop and are growing day by day.” Says Frans

“Invelaphi” means “roots”, and was chosen as the name because Gilbert and Frans wanted to create a stable company that would grow and last. It has been fortuitous so far: The businessmen now aim to buy a fleet of vehicles for their technicians while continuing to build the company’s reputation for efficient service.

When an employee at Growthpoint Properties - for which Property Point is the enterprise and supplier development programme - told Frand and Gilbert about Property Point's incubation programme, they took the opportunity to sign uo. So far, the value it has added for Invelaphi Engineering is the mentorship and coaching, which the both men feel assist them to grow the business, seek opportunities and "get up and do it ourselves"

“We are young and energetic and we believe in providing quality and efficient service," says Gilbert. "That alone sets up from companies that take business for granted."