Reminiscing on a lifetime in HVAC&R operations and training: The story of Peter and Isolde Dobelin. This is Part 1 of a two-part series of Dobelin’s story, in her own words and edited by Eamonn Ryan.
The HVAC&R journey of Isolde Dobelin (henceforth referred to as Dobelin), owner of OTTC (Open Trade Training Centre), began through marriage.
Her story is intertwined with that of her husband the late Peter Dobelin’s pioneering work in HVAC&R technology, exemplifying a journey marked by perseverance, innovation, and global engagement. Their move to South Africa not only expanded their professional horizons but also left a lasting legacy in the field of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Dobelin’s husband, Peter, was deeply immersed in the field, working for Ahlborn in Hildesheim, Germany, a company pivotal in manufacturing equipment for breweries and dairies. Ahlborn was under the leadership of Werner Fiedler – the first German apprentice and first German Master – who was previously working for Josef Bieber developing the refrigeration trade for Germany. They played a crucial role in organising and standardising refrigeration and air conditioning training in Germany during the late 1960s to 1972.
Dissatisfied with the constraints of home life, he made a bold decision to strike out on his own at the age of 17, having already qualified as an electrician. Packing only essentials, he set out on a journey from his hometown Sulzburg 30km south from Freiburg Black Forest to Hamburg, fuelled by determination and a dream of joining the Marines.
Cold nights under bridges and meagre meals were his companions until a chance encounter with a priest changed his fortune. Guided to a boarding house for apprentices, he found stability and a path forward. His work ethic and affable nature quickly earned him a position with Siemens, where he worked on ships as electrician for a while until he could join the navy with Stines Readerei handling coal for steam engines, and ultimately the Marines, where his prior maritime experience proved invaluable. His dedication earned him an extended service term, further enriching his skills and perspectives. This experience not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a resilience and camaraderie that would define his career.
After completing his military duty, Peter redirected his career path towards commercial refrigeration, joining Linde in Freiburg. His background as an electrician provided a solid foundation, but it was his hands-on experience and mastery of refrigeration techniques that propelled him forward.
The birth of formalised refrigeration training
Before efforts led by figures like Bieber, refrigeration training in Germany was informal, aligned with mechanical trades. The 1961 initiative to establish proper training culminated in the first refrigeration exhibition in Stuttgart, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s development.
The birth of their children marked a new chapter, prompting Dobelin moving from Munich to Sulzburg. Peter was transferred from Ahlborn Munich to Baden Wuertemberg building the Dairy Mannheim and Koblenz, as manager of work.
Dobelin herself delved into creative pursuits like fashion design and pottery, showcasing her artistic flair and entrepreneurial spirit. Her commitment to self-improvement led her to pursue courses in typing and business management, enhancing her professional acumen significantly.
Peter Dobelin’s career mirrored the evolving landscape of refrigeration technology. As their business expanded, Peter pursued further education, becoming a Master in Refrigeration in 1972. This specialisation underscored his commitment to staying ahead in an evolving industry landscape.
Their projects while living in a small Black Forest town ranged from small-scale residential installations to complex industrial systems, each requiring meticulous planning and execution. He became deeply involved in ammonia systems, a critical component in industrial refrigeration. His expertise extended to heat pump systems, reflecting his adaptability and pioneering spirit in the field.
In 1972, he decided to venture into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for greater work-life balance and family time. Together with Dobelin’s support, they established their business specialising in HVAC&R and expanded the business in 1973. They started manufacturing customised heat pump systems for commercial and industrial applications installing and maintenance.
Peter simultaneously completed his second Master for Heating and Air Conditioning. In 1981, Dobelin herself seized the opportunity to enrol in the first-ever MBA course offered in business management in Germany, despite the traditionally stringent entry requirements. Her determination and diligence paved the way for a deeper understanding of finance and marketing, enriching her contributions to their burgeoning business in HVAC&R.
Peter’s innovative heat pump systems addressed diverse needs, from industrial facilities to private residences. Notably, his work at Schnapps factory Schladerer characterised his ability to leverage technology to solve environmental and operational challenges effectively. By converting waste heat into a usable resource, Peter significantly improved efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing processes.
Dobelin’s role in their business was multifaceted, encompassing everything from project management to logistics. She played a crucial part in their operations, often acting as a versatile support system. In a small company environment, her involvement extended across various tasks, highlighting her adaptability and commitment to their shared vision.
Introduction to South Africa
The Dobelins’ journey to South Africa in 1982 marked a significant chapter in their professional lives, driven by both opportunity – her husband Peter’s contract with a German company – and necessity amid changing circumstances in Germany.
By the early 1980s, Germany faced challenges with nuclear power and energy policy shifts, impacting businesses like Dobelin’s that specialised in energy-intensive technologies such as heat pumps. Regulatory restrictions and periodic shutdowns posed operational challenges, prompting the Dobelins to seek new horizons.
Choosing South Africa over other potential destinations like Australia was influenced by several factors. South Africa offered a burgeoning market with opportunities in HVAC&R technologies, especially given its diverse climate and growing urbanisation. The Dobelins saw this as a fertile ground to apply their expertise in heat pump systems and expand their business ventures.
Upon arrival in South Africa around 1982, the Dobelins began establishing connections and exploring business opportunities in the local market. Their expertise in innovative HVAC&R solutions quickly garnered attention, particularly in sectors where energy efficiency and environmental sustainability was becoming increasingly important.
Dobelin found herself needing to work due to financial constraints while settling into a new country, leading her to take on various roles while adapting to the local environment. She began working in the office at a German company involved in installing cleaning processes for tanks and plants, a role that required her to familiarise herself with local practices – and improve her English skills (neither could speak English). Her MBA qualification and her capability in financial matters quickly impressed management, demonstrating her adeptness in handling complex tasks.
Peter eventually transitioned to working at National Dairy Equipment, specialising in ammonia refrigeration plants. Dobelin’s daughter Susan also started working during this period, marking a new phase as their family adapted to life and work in South Africa.
Her career took a significant turn when she joined Robert Bosch SA (Pty) Ltd, where she played a pivotal role in establishing a training school and the Bosch Service Organisation, leveraging her background in education and administration. This opportunity not only highlighted her organisational skills but also cemented her reputation as a capable professional in the industry.