Adelaide-based industrial refrigeration leader, Cold Logic, has unveiled a high-performance industrial refrigeration chamber dedicated to testing critical Defence technology at extreme temperatures.

The large-scale Defence Testing Facility, based at the company’s new multi-million dollar Wingfield headquarters in Adelaide, will test the performance of sensitive, high-tech equipment in volatile environmental conditions.

The facility exposes technology, such as naval-based warfare electronics, battle management systems, troop shelters and vehicles to wild temperature fluctuations from minus 33°C to up to 50°C.

It will be used to support major Defence projects, such as the Collins Class submarines and Hunter Class frigates.

Managing Director Eddie Lane said the facility marks a major milestone for the company.

“We are proud to be able to support the nation’s sovereign capability through our new state-of-the-art Defence Testing Facility,” Mr Lane said.

“Nowhere else in the country can you test the operational running performance of critical Defence equipment in the very harshest of conditions – from minus 33 degrees, which you might find in the Artic to the scorching heat associated with combat deserts.

“We expect to see electronic equipment for land, naval and air applications, that need to perform in places such as the Middle East or Antarctica and even in space, being put through their paces right here at Wingfield.”

Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie (centre) touring Cold Logic’s new Wingfield headquarters, where the company’s high-performance industrial refrigeration chamber is housed.

Cold Logic was established 40 years ago in 1984, with a focus on supplying specialist refrigeration equipment to the commercial food and beverage industries.

In recent years, the company has expanded into the burgeoning Defence sector, unlocking new business and job opportunities.

In 2023, Cold Logic was awarded a multi-million dollar contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to construct and install cold and cool rooms for the first batch of Hunter class frigates.

The company’s rapid growth in the last two years has seen its local workforce increase to over 100 employees, with more jobs and apprenticeship opportunities expected to be created in the future.