3 min read - 29 Oct, 2025
The Reefer Group expands UK footprint with Paneltex acquisition
European temperature-controlled vehicle manufacturer The Reefer Group has expanded its UK footprint with the acquisition of Hull-based refrigerated vehicle specialist Paneltex.
The move will see Paneltex join well-known brands Chereau, SOR Iberica and Aubineau as The Reefer Group expands its product range and geographical reach. As part of the acquisition, Ocado Holdings will exit from Paneltex as a shareholder.
Founded in 1991 by Christopher Berridge, Paneltex will continue to operate in Hull and from sites throughout the UK to deliver comprehensive temperature-controlled solutions, but with the support of a group operating in Europe, which strives to meet the environmental, technological and logistical challenges of a rapidly-changing cold chain.
The Reefer Group will benefit from significant operational industrial assets across six sites in the UK, due to numerous investments made by Paneltex over recent years.
Picture: Paneltex
Chris Berridge, managing director, will continue to work day-to-day at the helm of Paneltex to oversee the transition and integration into The Reefer Group. He said: “I am proud to have led the company to this moment and will continue to strive for progress and success in a challenging market. It has been a privilege to have worked with the incredible team at Paneltex and with Ocado, which has done so much to lead the grocery home delivery market through its bold innovation and industry-defining customer proposition.
“Paneltex will continue its close working relationship with all our customers, as we press forward with developing tailor-made solutions for the delivery of temperature-controlled goods in a world where advanced technology has the potential to revolutionise products and manufacturing systems.”
The Reefer Group also acquires a strong team at Paneltex, with more than 600 employees, who are fully able to support The Reefer Group as a strong, innovative, and sustainable partner to customers in the UK, Europe and internationally.
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Picture: Paneltex
Damien Destremau, chairman of the Reefer Group, added: “This acquisition marks another step forward in building a group that is resolutely focused on the future. After Aubineau, the arrival of Paneltex reinforces our vision: to be a trusted partner for our customers and to actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of refrigerated transport.”
The Paneltex product range includes high-value-added vehicles for last-mile transport, five-metre high double-deck semi-trailers specific to the UK market, portable cold stores for the UK and export markets, and refrigerated vehicle body kits, which enable significant sales growth in major export markets (including the USA) using optimised logistics and qualified local assembly partners.
