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Schmitz Cargobull, Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, is acquiring a 27.5 percent stake in Sub Zero Insulation Technologies (SZIT). The Indian company SZIT is one of the leading manufacturers of refrigerated and dry freight bodies in India. The investment is part of a long-term partnership that also includes an option to increase the stake.
(Horstmar/Pune) The partnership between Schmitz Cargobull and Sub Zero is an important step in Schmitz Cargobull’s global expansion strategy and establishes the company in the rapidly growing market for temperature-controlled logistics in India.
“The Indian cold chain sector is developing rapidly, and Sub Zero has demonstrated significant potential to lead this change. By combining our technical expertise with Sub Zero’s market presence, we aim to provide high-quality and efficient transport solutions throughout India and beyond. This is not just about business growth, but also about building an infrastructure that can help reduce the 30-40% of perishable products lost each year due to inadequate cold chains – a problem that also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions,” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG.
Shared Values in Corporate Culture
The partnership is based on shared values in corporate culture. Both Schmitz Cargobull and SZIT are family-owned companies that share a long-term vision and a focus on innovation and customer-centric development. The Khira family has been active in vehicle manufacturing in India since 1949, and Sub Zero Insulation Technologies has carried on this legacy since 2015 with a focus on high quality, efficient bodies, and modern design.
Sub Zero is now a leading Indian manufacturer of insulated and refrigerated commercial vehicle bodies, producing over 1,500 units annually and serving as an approved supplier for major OEMs such as Tata Motors, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Volvo Eicher, Isuzu, and Bharat Benz.
“This partnership is a milestone – for Sub Zero and for the Indian cold chain ecosystem. With Schmitz Cargobull as a partner, a new era begins for us, characterized by quality, technology, and international standards. By improving efficiency within the cold chain, we can drastically reduce waste, increase farmers’ incomes, improve food availability, and significantly reduce the CO2 footprint caused by the decomposition of perishable goods. Our commitment to our customers remains steadfast – as does our mission to deliver the best transport solutions in India and other emerging markets,” says Deep Khira, founder and CEO of Sub Zero.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Modernization of production processes at Sub Zero’s Pune facility.
- Introduction of advanced technologies from Schmitz Cargobull, including in the areas of insulated panels and trailer telematics.
- Training and knowledge exchange programs between the Indian and German teams.
- Export of easy-to-assemble modular kits for refrigerated and dry freight bodies to support national and international markets.
Part of a Larger Strategy
This investment is part of Schmitz Cargobull’s overarching strategy to strategically expand its international presence in emerging markets and promote sustainable, locally adapted solutions. The goal is to set global standards in transport infrastructure.
Photo: © Sub Zero
