Cold focus: GORICA

This long-term commitment is underpinned by significant financial investment.

Domen Bockor of GORICA pointed to the establishment of the Frigo division in 2010, when GORICA installed its first dedicated production line for refrigerated bodies and semi-trailers. That step included advanced manufacturing equipment, such as polyurethane injection systems and hydraulic presses.

Expansion followed quickly. By 2013, the company had begun developing a dedicated facility in Dubai Industrial City, culminating in a major milestone with the acquisition of a GRP (glass reinforced polyester) reefer factory from Germany-based Krone. The move led to the creation of GORICA’s fourth manufacturing site, completed by the end of 2015.

Today, that facility produces a wide range of refrigerated and dry freight equipment, forming a key part of the company’s global offering. The total investment, Bockor said, represented a “strong double-digit million US dollar commitment”, highlighting its long-term focus on the sector.

Central to GORICA’s competitive edge is its approach to technology, specifically it combining European design standards with solutions tailored to the unique MEA conditions.

“Our products are designed with local infrastructure, driver behaviour and environmental conditions in mind,” said Bockor. “That localisation was a key advantage over international competitors.”

That means building trailers that can withstand some of the harshest environments in the world and where thermal performance is critical.

GORICA’s solution is its use of GRP panels that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, long-term durability and are corrosion resistance. GRP also provides superior insulation, helping maintain consistent internal temperatures under great heat.

Bockor said the company’s focus on achieving optimal thermal conductivity, measured through K-values, is central to ensuring product integrity across long-distance transport routes.

“Thermal performance is critical, particularly in multi-drop operations and extreme climates,” he said.

The advantages of lightweight GRP over traditional metal panel construction are evident in this region. Unlike steel, GRP does not rust or corrode, requires minimal maintenance and can withstand exposure to chemicals, humidity and temperature fluctuations.

“Composite materials offered durability, strength and long service life, often exceeding 25 years,” said Bockor.

Equally important is design flexibility. GRP panels can be moulded into complex shapes, allowing for customised builds without significant cost increases,ideal in a market where tailored solutions are required.

Cooling technology is another key component of the system. GORICA works closely with Thermo King, equipping its refrigerated bodies and trailers with industry-leading refrigeration units designed to suit local conditions.

This approach reflects the GORICA’s broader focus on delivering complete solutions rather than individual components, which is underscored by the rapid growth of the cold chain sector across the MENA region. Demand for reliable food logistics is increasing, driven by population growth, urbanisation and changing consumption patterns.

Bockor said the shift towards service-based economies placed greater emphasis on safe and efficient transport of perishable goods. “The service sector is becoming more critical, and that’s driving demand for higher-quality and safer cold chain solutions,” he said.

However, the region still faces significant challenges. While awareness of food safety and cold chain standards has improved, regulatory frameworks are inconsistent. Some operators still rely on older trailers, often second or third-hand, that no longer meet European standards.

This practice, Bockor warned, is increasingly unsustainable.

“Many of these trailers have already exceeded their service life under European ATP standards. When they are brought into the region, their thermal efficiency is already compromised,” he said.

In extreme climates, that loss of performance has serious implications for food safety and operational reliability. Therefore, strengthening regulations and encouraging the adoption of modern equipment is critical to improving standards, such as Europe’s ATP certification system. “The lack of clear regulations remains one of the biggest challenges,” Bockor said

Despite these hurdles, the outlook for refrigerated transport in the region remains strong. With growing demand, increasing awareness and ongoing investment, the sector is poised for continued expansion.

For GORICA, the focus is on staying ahead of that curve – combining technology, local expertise and strategic partnerships to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market.

In a region where climate, distance and infrastructure all present unique challenges, the future of cold chain transport will depend not just on innovation, but on the ability to adapt that innovation to real-world conditions.

Domen Bockor makes it crystal clear that is exactly where GORICA intends to lead the market.