Jaco Kruger

Automotive A/C Operations | Earthmoving & Mining Equipment A/C Specialist | 19+ Years Experience | Reduced Downtime & Improved First-Time Fix Rates | Caterpillar Certified | Workshop Leadership & knowledge of HVAC

Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa

About

I am an Automotive A/C Operations Leader specializing in mining, earthmoving, and heavy equipment air-conditioning systems with over 19 years on hands & off hands - on technical and workshop management experience. I optimize workshop performance, reduce fleet downtime, and build technically strong teams capable of delivering high first-time fix rates across demanding mining environments. Throughout my career, I have: • Progressed from apprentice to Workshop Manager and A/C Operations Coordinator • Led multidisciplinary workshop teams supporting large mining fleets • Reduced equipment downtime through preventive & predictive maintenance strategies • Improved workshop efficiency through structured scheduling and inventory optimization • Delivered technical training programs across multiple African regions. My expertise includes: Automotive A/C Systems | Mining Fleet Maintenance | Earthmoving Equipment | Workshop Operations Management | Preventive & Predictive Maintenance | Refrigerant Compliance | Technician Training | Inventory Optimization | Root Cause Analysis | Reliability Engineering | OEM Standards | Customer Service Excellence Industries Served: Mining | Heavy Equipment | Earthmoving | Automotive | Industrial Equipment, I am now focused on leadership roles or any Fleid service roles in Automotive A/C Operations, Technical Management, or Mining Fleet Climate Control Systems where I can drive operational efficiency, technician development, and asset reliability at scale. And hands on. Also have knowledge of HVAC.

Experience

  • Heavy Mining Equipment Aircon Coordinator at Komoto Copper Company SA
    Jun 2022 - Mar 2026 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    • Lead end-to-end A/C service coordination for mining fleet machines, improving workshop turnaround time and bay utilization • Implement structured scheduling and workflow allocation systems to optimize technician productivity • Diagnose complex refrigerant circuit and compressor failures across heavy equipment platforms • Reduced stockouts by implementing demand forecasting and vendor coordination processes • Strengthened cross-functional collaboration between technicians, service advisors, and operations teams to improve service delivery

  • Heavy Mining Equipment Aircon Coordinator at The Icon Group Congo
    Nov 2019 - May 2022 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    • Coordinated A/C diagnostics and retrofits for passenger and light commercial vehicles • Reduced repeat repair incidents by implementing preventive maintenance protocols • Optimized inventory workflows for compressors, condensers, evaporators, and refrigerants • Improved workshop efficiency by restructuring scheduling and procurement processes • Enhanced communication between suppliers, technicians, and customers, increasing service transparency

  • Air Conditioning Trainer & Technician at The Icon Group Congo
    Mar 2014 - Aug 2019 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    • Delivered advanced technical training programs improving technician first-time fix rates • Designed structured A/C curriculum covering diagnostics, refrigerant handling, and compliance • Reduced system downtime through rapid fault identification and root cause analysis • Standardized technical documentation and workshop procedures

  • Workshop Manager – Mining Department at Harrack Automotive Air-conditioning
    2007 - 2009 · 2 yrs

    • Advanced from Senior Technician to Workshop Manager, leading multidisciplinary mining teams • Implemented preventive and predictive maintenance programs to increase equipment reliability • Managed budgeting, workforce planning, and contractor oversight • Improved operational efficiency through lean workflow initiatives • Ensured compliance with mining safety regulations and OEM standards