- Strategic stake in leading refrigerated truck body manufacturer aligns with rapid market growth and drive to cut food wastage
- Modernization of production processes and introduction of advanced technologies at Sub Zero’s Pune facility
Schmitz Cargobull AG, Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, has announced a strategic investment in Sub Zero Insulation Technologies (SZIT), one of India’s top producers of refrigerated and dry freight truck bodies. Under the agreement, Schmitz Cargobull will acquire a 27.5% equity stake in SZIT, with an option to increase its shareholding over the coming years. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Schmitz Cargobull’s global expansion strategy and strengthens its presence in the rapidly growing Indian cold chain logistics market.
“India’s cold chain sector is evolving rapidly, and Sub Zero has demonstrated strong potential to lead this transformation. By combining Schmitz Cargobull’s engineering expertise with Sub Zero’s market reach, we aim to deliver high-quality, efficient transport solutions across India and beyond. This is not just about business growth; it’s about enabling infrastructure that can help reduce the 30–40% of perishable produce lost annually due to inadequate cold-chain facilities – losses that also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO Schmitz Cargobull AG.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Sub Zero and for India’s cold chain ecosystem. With Schmitz Cargobull as our partners, we are entering a new era of quality, technology, and international standards. By improving cold-chain efficiency, we can drastically cut wastage, boost farmer incomes, improve food availability, and significantly lower the carbon footprint from decomposing perishables. We remain committed to our customers, and our mission to deliver best-in-class transport solutions across India and emerging markets” says Deep Khira, Founder & CEO of Sub Zero.
The partnership is grounded in a strong cultural alignment. Both Schmitz Cargobull and SZIT are family-led businesses that share a long-term vision, strong values, and a focus on innovation and customer-centric development. The Khira family’s legacy in vehicle body building in India dates back to 1949, and Sub Zero has carried this legacy forward with a focus on modern design, quality, and high efficiency bodies since 2015.
Sub Zero is today a leading Indian manufacturer of insulated and refrigerated truck bodies, producing over 1,500 units annually and serving as an approved supplier for major OEMs, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Volvo Eicher, Isuzu, and Bharat Benz.
This investment supports Schmitz Cargobull’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in emerging markets and promote sustainable, locally adapted solutions that raise the standard of transport infrastructure globally.
