In an exclusive chat, Rajesh Rajgor finds out how Sunbeam, a Chennai-based engineering company, is transforming India’s cold chain logistics with advanced isothermal containers. CEO Ashwath Krishna highlights their Puducherry-based manufacturing, partnership with Frigos Europe, and focus on lightweight, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly refrigerated solutions. With expansion across Southern India and specialized EV-compatible cold boxes, Sunbeam aims to shift the industry from heavy metal bodies to insulated containers, ensuring higher efficiency, durability, and sustainability, aligning India with global cold chain standards.
Sunbeam, a Chennai-based diversified engineering company, has steadily expanded its footprint across multiple industries, including power generation, concrete machinery, fabrication, and cold chain solutions. With a strong manufacturing presence in Puducherry, the company serves both domestic and international markets with a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Recognizing the immense potential of India’s cold chain sector, Sunbeam entered the industry in early 2024. “We saw cold chain solutions as a critical area poised for significant growth, given India’s vast geography and the increasing demand for safe transportation of perishable goods,” says Ashwath Krishna, CEO of Sunbeam. Since its foray, the company has gained steady traction, leveraging advanced technology and strategic collaborations to enhance its offerings.
Sunbeam & Frigos Europe: Redefining Cold Chain Excellence in India
One of Sunbeam’s key differentiators is its partnership with Frigos Europe, a pioneer in isothermal container solutions with nearly four decades of experience. “Our collaboration ensures that we integrate world-class manufacturing standards while tailoring products to Indian operational needs,” notes Krishna. The association enables Sunbeam to deliver highly durable, application-specific solutions, ensuring optimal thermal insulation, rugged design, and longevity.
Sunbeam’s manufacturing facility in Puducherry spans 75,000 square feet and is equipped with cutting-edge machinery, adhering to European production standards. “Our plant can manufacture isothermal containers ranging from 8 feet to 32 feet in size, ensuring in-house production of all major components,” he explains. A dedicated shower testing facility guarantees high-performance output, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality.
With a monthly production capacity of 100 to 125 cold chain boxes, Sunbeam is scaling operations to meet growing demand. The company has expanded its presence in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, establishing representatives in key locations such as Bangalore and Vizag. “We are also planning to extend our footprint in Hyderabad and Cochin to strengthen our presence in southern India,” he adds.
Innovative, Sustainable, and Customizable Cold Chain Solutions
A strong focus on technology sets Sunbeam apart in the competitive cold chain industry. The company integrates European design principles and uses high-quality, eco-friendly materials such as GRP and XPS sandwich panels. “Our materials ensure high thermal insulation with low water permeability, making the product maintenance-free, rust-free, and germ-free—ideal for perishable goods,” Krishna highlights. Sunbeam’s solutions cater to diverse applications, including dairy, seafood, meat, bakery, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods, among others.
Striking the right balance between cost, quality, and reliability is a core focus. “We continuously evaluate our materials and identify optimization opportunities without compromising essential quality aspects,” Krishna emphasizes. Sunbeam’s meticulous quality control processes ensure that every product meets high standards, offering durability, lower maintenance costs, and a strong return on investment.
Frigos Europe’s proprietary sandwich panel technology, developed over 40 years, provides unmatched insulation and strength. “These panels are the result of extensive research, ensuring superior workmanship and production methods tailored for cold chain logistics,” says Krishna. Sustainability is another cornerstone of Sunbeam’s approach. “We have carefully selected eco-friendly, food-grade materials that align with global environmental standards, making our solutions not just efficient but also nature-friendly,” he adds.
Sunbeam’s product range spans from 7-foot compact cold boxes for last-mile deliveries to 32-foot large containers for long-haul transportation. “Customization is a key strength, allowing us to design solutions for various vehicle categories, from small commercial vehicles (SCVs) like Tata Ace and Isuzu D-Max to heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) such as those from Tata, Ashok Leyland, BharatBenz, and VECV,” Krishna elaborates.
Boosting EV range with Sunbeam’s Lightweight Containers
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further expanded Sunbeam’s market scope. “Our lightweight, high-payload designs are well-suited for EV-based delivery fleets, ensuring optimal battery life and vehicle range,” Krishna points out. This adaptability makes Sunbeam a preferred choice among fleet operators, logistics companies, and food and beverage manufacturers looking for efficient temperature-controlled solutions.
Despite its rapid growth, India’s cold chain industry faces several challenges, including storage inefficiencies and last-mile delivery constraints. “A major issue is the continued use of heavy metal bodies, which reduce payload capacity and often lack food-grade materials, posing health risks,” he cautions. Sunbeam aims to lead the shift towards lightweight, environmentally friendly containers that align with global cold chain standards.
Looking ahead, Sunbeam has ambitious goals for the next three to five years. “Our vision is to become the preferred brand for sturdy, reliable cold chain containers across major brands and vehicle OEMs,” he states. Product innovation remains a priority, with new medium- and long-haul variants in the pipeline. “We are also focusing on developing solutions tailored for electric trucks, which represent the future of mobility in light commercial vehicles (LCVs),” he adds.
The company’s partnership with Frigos Europe will continue to evolve, driving advancements in temperature-controlled transport. “As India strengthens its position in the global economy, supply chain standards will rise to international benchmarks. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve by developing customer-centric, technologically advanced solutions,” Krishna affirms. Sunbeam’s strategic vision, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, positions it as a game-changer in India’s cold chain logistics sector.