Centro Manufacturing Corporation, the Philippines’ leading truck body builder, unveiled its latest innovation, the J-Spec Refvan, at the 2025 Isuzu Truck Fest held from February 28 to March 2 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
This state-of-the-art refrigerated van is specifically designed for the Isuzu NLR85 chassis cab, embodying Japanese-quality standards in both design and functionality.
The J-Spec Refvan integrates top-tier Japanese components, including the Isuzu NLR85 cab chassis and a Denso cooling system, complemented by Centro Nippon Fruehauf Cooltech’s body construction. This combination ensures exceptional reliability and durability, aligning with Centro’s commitment to delivering products that are “Very good quality; reliable; tibay sigurado!”
The launch of the J-Spec Refvan comes at a pivotal moment, as the Philippines’ cold chain industry experiences significant growth. The Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) reports that the country’s cold storage capacity reached approximately 710,000 pallet positions as of 2024, reflecting a robust expansion to meet the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods.
This growth is driven by rising consumer demand for fresh produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals, necessitating efficient and reliable refrigerated transport solutions. The J-Spec Refvan addresses these needs with features such as XPS foam insulation for optimal thermal efficiency, aluminum checkered flooring for enhanced durability, and a sliding curtain to facilitate better access during loading and unloading.
The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) estimates that the cold chain industry will reach around $378.4 million in 2023, underscoring the sector’s vital role in preserving essential food products, preventing food wastage, and ensuring efficient vaccine distribution.
In this context, the J-Spec Refvan emerges as a timely solution for businesses seeking to enhance their logistics capabilities. Its high-quality build and reliable performance make it an invaluable asset for supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmaceutical companies that rely heavily on maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive products.
The 2025 Isuzu Truck Fest showcased an impressive lineup of 19 trucks, reflecting Isuzu’s comprehensive range from light-duty to heavy-duty segments, with specialized body applications crafted by IPC’s authorized body builders, including Centro. The event highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation and excellence, with the J-Spec Refvan standing out as a testament to Centro’s dedication to meeting evolving market demands.
Centro President Raphael Juan emphasized the importance of innovation in the growing cold chain industry: “The J-Spec Refvan is more than just a truck body; it’s a solution to the increasing demand for reliable refrigerated transport. With the rapid growth of the cold chain logistics sector, we at Centro are proud to introduce a product that meets the highest standards of efficiency, durability, and quality. This will help businesses improve their logistics capabilities while ensuring the safety and freshness of temperature-sensitive goods.”
As the cold chain logistics sector continues to expand, the introduction of the J-Spec Refvan positions Centro at the forefront of providing solutions that not only comply with industry standards but also set new benchmarks for quality and efficiency. Businesses investing in such advanced refrigerated transport options are better equipped to meet the stringent requirements of food safety regulations and consumer expectations.
Centro’s launch of the J-Spec Refvan represents a significant advancement in supporting the Philippines’ burgeoning cold chain industry. By offering a product that combines Japanese-quality components with practical features tailored to local needs, Centro reaffirms its role as a leader in the truck body manufacturing sector, committed to driving progress and innovation in the logistics landscape.
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