Embarking further on its growth trajectory, Hubbard Products continues to push the boundaries of innovation
Founded in the quaint village of Martlesham in Suffolk, England, in 1968, Hubbard Products Ltd (Hubbard) boasts quite the legacy. Blending innovation, ambition and true manufacturing excellence, Hubbard holds a market-leading position as one of the top providers of commercial and semi/industrial refrigeration solutions in the world. The company specializes in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of refrigeration products, and its portfolio offers everything from cellar cooling, packs and racks to industrial blast freezers – all expertly crafted for use in commercial and industrial applications.
From strong revenue growth to exciting product launches and a brand-new, cutting-edge R&D facility, Hubbard is making big strides in the world of commercial cooling solutions. Manufacturing Today sat down with Ilias Katsoulis, Managing Director, to find out how the company continues to lead in innovation while expanding its strategic footprint. Ilias begins by sharing the company’s journey and what it offers today.
“Hubbard was founded in 1968 by Geoff Hubbard, an engineer and entrepreneur with a clear vision,” he explains. “Over the years, we’ve grown into one of the UK’s top manufacturers of commercial and transport refrigeration systems. Innovation has always been in our DNA – from early breakthroughs in eutectic refrigeration to becoming a trusted supplier for major UK retailers. A major turning point came in 2016 when we were acquired by Daikin Europe NV. That partnership has given us access to Daikin’s global R&D, advanced technologies, and international reach. It’s helped us strengthen our market position and deliver integrated, energy-efficient solutions that align with Daikin’s environmental goals.
“Today, we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable, high-performance cooling,” Ilias continues. “We design and manufacture a wide range of systems – commercial condensing units, monoblocs, multi-compressor packs, and transport refrigeration units. Our solutions support sectors like retail, logistics, hospitality, and pharmaceuticals. But we don’t stop at manufacturing; we also offer system design consultation, after-sales support, and tailored R&D partnerships to meet specific customer needs.”
With a growing global presence and a strong reputation, Hubbard’s story is one of consistent progress. What began as one man’s vision has become a manufacturing powerhouse. Over the past decade, the company has grown its annual revenue by £7 million, a clear sign of its ongoing innovation and commitment to excellence.
“This growth reflects our focus on innovation, scalability, and staying close to our customers,” Ilias says. “Expanding our Ipswich facility in 2021 doubled our production capacity, helping us meet rising demand for energy-efficient, low-GWP systems. Our success also comes from strong client relationships, a solid export strategy, and our ability to adapt quickly to changing market and regulatory needs.”
A big part of Hubbard’s success lies in its commitment to research and development. By working closely with customers, suppliers, and regulators, the company stays ahead of the curve. To support this, Hubbard has invested in a new R&D facility equipped with the latest technology, allowing it to respond quickly to market shifts.
“Our new R&D centre is a key part of our innovation strategy,” Ilias explains. “With the industry evolving rapidly due to environmental regulations and digitalization, we needed a dedicated space to speed up product development. This facility lets us prototype, test, refine, and launch next-generation technologies that support both our sustainability goals and our customers’ needs.
“The facility includes advanced environmental test chambers and IoT-enabled diagnostics. These tools help us simulate real-world conditions, improve energy performance, and shorten development cycles. We’re also using AI-driven analytics to boost predictive maintenance and system efficiency.” 
Hubbard’s wide range of high-quality commercial and vehicle refrigeration solutions sets it apart. One of its latest innovations, the A2L Industrial Monobloc unit, was launched at Chillventa 2024 and quickly earned recognition, winning Refrigeration Product of the Year at NACRA 2025.
“We’re incredibly proud of that award,” Ilias says. “The A2L Industrial Monobloc, using Solstice® L40X (R-455A), is designed to meet strict EU and UK environmental standards. With a GWP of just 148, it delivers 10kW of cooling at -30°C using a Bitzer semi-hermetic compressor. It’s compact, efficient, and more cost-effective than CO₂-based systems, perfect for retailers, food processors, and pharmaceutical companies looking to future-proof their operations.
“Our products stand out because they combine innovation, reliability, and sustainability. We don’t just meet standards – we aim to set them. Our engineers work closely with clients to develop solutions that perform in the real world. And our focus on low-GWP refrigerants and energy efficiency ensures we’re ready for the future. Winning awards like NACRA 2025 shows we’re leading the way in both technology and environmental responsibility.”
Looking ahead, Hubbard is well-positioned for continued success. Building on its strong foundation, the company plans to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in refrigeration.
“Our priorities for the rest of the year include commissioning the new R&D facility, scaling up production of our award-winning A2L units, and strengthening our customer support,” Ilias shares. “We’re also preparing for upcoming regulatory changes and investing in workforce development to ensure we have the skills and capacity to meet future demand.
“In five years, we aim to be a leader in sustainable refrigeration, with a broader portfolio that includes smart cooling systems, heat pumps, and energy recovery technologies. Our focus will remain on the retail sector, where we see big opportunities to deliver value through integrated solutions. With Daikin’s support, we’re positioning ourselves as a one-stop provider, offering everything from refrigeration and HVAC to controls and energy management. We’re also expanding our turnkey services, covering design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. This end-to-end approach helps our customers get the most from their systems, ensuring performance, compliance, and sustainability.”
As Hubbard looks to the future, its next chapter promises even more growth and innovation. Ilias closes the conversation by highlighting what he sees as the company’s greatest strength.
“I want to recognise the incredible dedication of our team,” he says. “Every achievement – from revenue growth to award-winning products – is thanks to their hard work and passion. As we move forward, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering real value to our customers and partners.”