Zero-C
Zero-C is a family-owned Canadian industrial refrigeration systems integrator (founded 1969, 250+ employees) that designs, manufactures, installs, and services custom CO2, ammonia, and cascade refrigeration systems for food processing, cold storage, supermarket, and ice rink clients across Canada, the USA, and Switzerland.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersSaint Bruno, Canada
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Zero-C does
Zero-C (legal entity: Climat-Control SB Inc.) is a family-owned, third-generation Canadian industrial refrigeration systems integrator founded in 1969 in Longueuil, Quebec, and now headquartered in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and services custom industrial and commercial refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants (CO2/R744, ammonia/NH3, propane, and hybrid cascade configurations), with engineering, in-house manufacturing, electrical contracting, and automation all performed under one vertically integrated 360-degree model. Zero-C has delivered projects including CO2 transcritical systems exceeding 1000 TR for food processing (Concord Premium Meats, Natural Bakery, East Coast Wild Blueberry), cold storage (Léman Fruits, Canadawide), supermarkets (Sobeys/IGA), and sports facilities (Isatis Ice Rinks), with several installations operating reliably for over 20 years.
The company's core product platform spans CO2 transcritical systems, pumped/recirculated systems, cascade dual-circuit systems, and direct expansion systems, complemented by heat recovery, automation and control subsystems, and a dedicated R&D lab. It operates across Canada (Saint-Bruno HQ, Laval office), the United States (via partner network), and Europe (Switzerland subsidiary acquired in 2008), with wholly-owned subsidiaries including Sertech Énergie (electrical, 2017), Zero-C Switzerland (2008), and Coolmart Inc. (manufacturing, 2020-2022). Revenue is generated primarily through one-time project-based sales of custom systems, supplemented by multi-year preventive maintenance contracts (5-year terms), emergency repair services, and parts/equipment supply. The go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales supported by specialized engineers, an affiliate partner program for contractors outside Quebec and in the US, and inside-sales quote intake through the company website, with no publicly disclosed pricing.
Zero-C firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zero-C
- Legal name
- Climat-Control SB Inc.
- Website
- https://zero-c.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Zero-C is a family-owned Canadian industrial refrigeration systems integrator (founded 1969, 250+ employees) that designs, manufactures, installs, and services custom CO2, ammonia, and cascade refrigeration systems for food processing, cold storage, supermarket, and ice rink clients across Canada, the USA, and Switzerland.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zero-C industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Refrigeration Systems
- NAICS
- Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration Systems (IMAHAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Refrigeration Components & Controls (Compressors, Valves, Sensors) (IMAHAKAH), Refrigeration Installation & Replacement (Commercial) (HSAOAJAD), Refrigeration Controls, Thermostats & Sensors Service (HSAOAJAF), Compressor, Condenser & Evaporator Service (HSAOAJAG)
Keywords
Where Zero-C is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint Bruno
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Zero-C business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom Refrigeration Systems: Design, manufacturing, and installation of custom industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. Project-based revenue from complex installations including CO2, ammonia, and hybrid systems for food processing, cold storage, ice rinks, and supermarkets.
- Maintenance and Service Contracts: Preventive maintenance programs, emergency repairs, and extended warranty offerings. Includes 5-year maintenance contracts covering specialized upkeep to maximize system durability.
- Parts and Equipment Supply: Vast inventory of refrigeration components ensuring rapid availability for manufacturing, maintenance, and repairs. Supports both proprietary systems and broader market needs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Zero-C product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zero-C designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains custom industrial refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants (CO2, ammonia, propane) for food processing plants, cold storage warehouses, supermarkets, and ice rinks. The company operates a 360° service model covering engineering design, in-house equipment manufacturing, on-site installation, and ongoing maintenance, supported by proprietary automation/control systems and heat recovery technology. It also provides industrial HVAC systems and electrical contracting through its Sertech Énergie division for turnkey project delivery.
Product overview
Zero-C is a custom industrial refrigeration systems provider offering a comprehensive 360° service model covering design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Their core product is tailor-made industrial refrigeration systems using CO2, ammonia, and cascade technologies, serving sectors including food processing, sports centers and ice rinks, cold storage and logistics, supermarkets, and industrial processes. The company operates as a platform-plus-services architecture, where the central offering (Custom Industrial Refrigeration Systems) is supported by specialized sub-products including CO2 Refrigeration, Automation & Control Systems, Energy Management & Heat Recovery, and an R&D Laboratory. Key acquired brands and subsidiaries include Sertech Énergie (electrical division acquired 2017), Zero-C Switzerland (European subsidiary established 2008), and Coolmart Inc. (manufacturing subsidiary founded 2020). The portfolio also includes specialized technologies such as Transcritical CO2 Thermal Plants, Cascade Refrigeration Systems, Pumped/Recirculated Systems, and Direct Expansion Systems, all designed and manufactured in-house.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Custom Industrial Refrigeration Systems
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% reduction in energy costs for warehouse refrigeration projects
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Zero-C
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Zero-C technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Zero-C partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Sertech ÉnergiecoreSertech Énergie is a wholly-owned electrical division acquired in 2017 that provides industrial and commercial electrical services. The acquisition made Zero-C a fully integrated provider capable of offering turnkey solutions without external intermediaries, covering refrigeration, HVAC, and electrical systems.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Zero-C competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Johnson Controls: Johnson Controls is a global building HVAC, controls, and refrigeration incumbent with extensive commercial/industrial refrigeration offerings. It overlaps with Zero-C on industrial cooling, automation/controls, and service contracts at much larger scale across many geographies.
- Carrier Commercial Refrigeration: Carrier is the largest global refrigeration and HVAC manufacturer with a broad portfolio of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. It competes with Zero-C on supermarket, cold storage, and food processing projects but serves a much wider market and is not specialized in CO2 transcritical or natural refrigerants.
- GEA Refrigeration Technologies: GEA Refrigeration Technologies provides industrial refrigeration systems for food processing, dairy, and cold storage globally. It is a larger-scale competitor to Zero-C in CO2/NH3 industrial refrigeration for food processing plants.
- BITZER: BITZER is a global manufacturer of refrigeration compressors and components used in commercial and industrial cooling. It supplies core components (compressors) used by Zero-C while also offering complete systems, making it both a supplier and partial competitor.
- Trane Technologies: Trane Technologies is a major global HVAC and refrigeration equipment manufacturer serving commercial and industrial customers. Its Thermo King transport refrigeration and Trane applied HVAC lines compete broadly with Zero-C's industrial refrigeration and heat-recovery solutions.
- Danfoss Climate Solutions: Danfoss is a major global supplier of refrigeration components, controls, and complete systems for HVAC and industrial cooling. It overlaps with Zero-C's automation and control systems business and competes indirectly on integrated refrigeration solutions.
Direct peers
- Star Refrigeration: Star Refrigeration is a UK-based industrial refrigeration specialist known for custom ammonia and CO2 systems with strong service and maintenance operations. It is a closely comparable peer to Zero-C in custom industrial refrigeration, natural refrigerants, and 360° service delivery.
- Hillphoenix: Hillphoenix is a leading North American manufacturer of commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, food retail, and cold storage. It is a direct peer to Zero-C in supermarket and cold-storage CO2/NH3 refrigeration, with comparable custom system capabilities.
- Kysor Warren (Epta): Kysor Warren is part of the Epta Group and supplies commercial refrigeration solutions for food retail and foodservice in North America. It competes directly with Zero-C in supermarket and cold-storage refrigeration design and installation.
- Mayekawa (MYCOM): Mayekawa is a Japanese industrial refrigeration specialist with strong expertise in ammonia and natural refrigerant systems for food processing and cold storage. It competes directly with Zero-C on custom industrial refrigeration projects using natural refrigerants.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zero-C social profiles
Digital presenceZero-C compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Zero-C financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zero-C leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Zero-C subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Zero-C funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zero-C M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zero-C
What does Zero-C do?
Zero-C designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains custom industrial refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants (CO2, ammonia, propane) for food processing plants, cold storage warehouses, supermarkets, and ice rinks. The company operates a 360° service model covering engineering design, in-house equipment manufacturing, on-site installation, and ongoing maintenance, supported by proprietary automation/control systems and heat recovery technology. It also provides industrial HVAC systems and electrical contracting through its Sertech Énergie division for turnkey project delivery.
Is Zero-C a public or private company?
Zero-C is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Zero-C founded?
Zero-C was founded in 1969. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Zero-C based?
Zero-C is headquartered in Saint Bruno, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Zero-C make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom Refrigeration Systems are the primary driver. The others are maintenance and Service Contracts and parts and Equipment Supply.
Who are Zero-C's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Johnson Controls, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, GEA Refrigeration Technologies, BITZER, Trane Technologies and Danfoss Climate Solutions. Direct peers are Star Refrigeration, Hillphoenix, Kysor Warren (Epta) and Mayekawa (MYCOM).
Does Zero-C have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zero-C.
What industry is Zero-C in?
Zero-C's product category is Industrial Refrigeration Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAKAA, Commercial & Industrial Refrigeration Systems, with a secondary code of IMAHAKAH, Refrigeration Components & Controls (Compressors, Valves, Sensors). Its NAICS code is 333415 and its SIC code is 3585.