Beijer Ref invests in new plant for green refrigeration technology

In order to meet the market demand for refrigeration based on natural refrigerants, the production capacity of the subsidiary SCM Frigo is being expanded with a new plant.

SCM Frigo S.p.a, based outside Padua, Italy, is one of Beijer Ref's fastest growing subsidiaries. The company develops refrigeration systems based on the environmentally friendly refrigerant CO2. SCM Frigo is one of the global leaders in the market.

Demand for environmentally friendly refrigeration is driven by the European F-gas regulation and a general green trend. The regulation means that F-gases, which are the most important refrigerant for industrial and commercial refrigeration, will be reduced by 80 percent by 2030. The current production capacity for SCM Frigo therefore needs to be expanded.

Beijer Ref is investing in a new facility of approximately 13,000 m2 which will contain production, storage and space for the Beijer Ref Academy training center. Construction will begin in the fall of 2019 and the plant is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2020. The investment is expected to amount to approximately € 10M. The plant will have a green profile.

CEO Per Bertland comments: "Due to the European F-gas regulation, we expect the market for environmentally friendly refrigeration systems to continue to be strong over the next five to ten years. The transition to green technology has just begun and so far, an estimated 15-20 percent of retailers in Europe have converted to chillers that are adapted to the new regulation. With the new plant, we ensure that Beijer Ref can meet the increased demand of the market."