The new factory of Industria Isotermica Spa, inaugurated a year ago in Palomonte, in the province of Salerno, is now fully operational. Beyonder, the name (copied from a Marvel Comics character and meaning “one who goes beyond”) of the industrial platform, apparently the first in Europe, is dedicated to the production of panels for insulating cars and vans. The real novelty lies in the adopted technology: fiberglass and glass fiber, with a negative environmental impact, are replaced by materials obtained with an automated process, imported from the aerospace sector, of thermoforming and foaming, protected by an international patent extended to 43 countries.
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The initiative has so far required an investment of 12 million, channeled through the Zes Unica for the South and supported by state incentives from “Industria 5.0”. At its origin is the project of Sandro Mantella, born in Canada, lived in Calabria and transplanted to Milan, with extensive experience in the insulation materials sector and former distributor of the French brand Lamberet.
The plant is currently active, with a staff of 12 people, while another eight will be added by the end of the year. After an initial order from Avis for the supply of panels for 400 commercial vehicles, a second order arrived from Giffi for another 20 commercial vehicles. In total, worth 1.3 million. The management’s goal is to produce 100 panels per day with two production lines. The first was installed in 2022, the second has been active since 2025. The entire system, created with technological partner Self Group Comi, was designed to be patented. The heart of the innovation is a proprietary process that combines thermoforming of ABS sheets, precision trimming, and polyurethane foaming, allowing for the production of kits made of combined plastic and insulating material.
Beyonder is believed to represent a significant evolution in temperature-controlled transport, as it ensures 25% superior performance compared to the limits of reinforced insulation. “The system,” explains Mantella, “allows for reduced energy consumption, greater autonomy for electric vehicles, rapid and standardized installation, and simplified distribution and assembly in any market.”
The first applications concern models such as Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Opel Movano, and Toyota Proace Max, with extensions planned until 2027 for Iveco Daily, Renault Master, Volkswagen Crafter, and Fiat Scudo. Additionally, two new production lines are under development to produce panels for ambulances and campers.
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