“We dedicate substantial efforts to biomass-based solutions”: Cheema Boilers Limited

Cheema Boilers Limited has earned a global reputation as a leading supplier of industrial boiler systems, offering innovative solutions across all sizes and output categories. With over three decades of expertise, the company has supplied more than 3,000 boiler systems to 40+ countries, delivering unmatched quality, reliability, and efficiency.

In this exclusive interview with IBT, Satbir Cheema, Director of Marketing, discusses the company’s specialization in supporting the food manufacturing sector, their robust export strategies, and their expectations for their first participation in the upcoming Indusfood Manufacturing 2025.

IBT: Which specific heating solutions or boiler technologies does your company specialize in for food manufacturing applications? How do you perceive the evolution and application of these technologies in India’s food manufacturing industry?

Satbir Cheema: As the name suggests, Cheema Boilers is engaged in the manufacturing of steam boilers and power plants. We also specialize in producing thermic fluid heaters, along with their accessories, pollution control equipment, fans, and more.

When it comes to the food industry, heat applications typically involve either steam or oil. We manufacture boilers that cater to fuel applications across various industries, including FMCG, starch plants, or any facility requiring steam.

Regarding applications, our boilers primarily provide steam and heat for industrial operations. The heat is generated from different fuel sources, which can include gas, diesel, biomass, or coal. Depending on the fuel availability, we design customized boilers to meet specific requirements.

IBT: How do your services address the unique needs of the F&B sector, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability?

Satbir Cheema: Sustainability is a significant topic these days. With increasing competition in every industry, the key to staying ahead lies in managing costs effectively. After raw material, steam is the most critical component. At Cheema Boilers, our primary focus has always been on reducing steam costs to help industries achieve sustainability.

To achieve this, we explore a variety of fuels and offer package-type boilers with lower capital expenditure. This provides customers with flexibility to choose fuels based on costs, ensuring efficiency and cost savings. Our boilers are designed to be the most efficient in the industry, particularly when operating on biomass. Reducing steam costs and maximizing efficiency remain our core benefits for the F&B industry.

A Distillery Boiler installed by CBL at Radico Khaitan Limited, Source: Cheema Boilers Limited

IBT: Does your company export its products or services? If so, could you share insights into the international markets you serve and the key drivers of your success?

Satbir Cheema: We have been exporting for nearly 20 years and currently have a presence in 22 countries worldwide. Our footprint spans the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Many of the industries we cater to are food-based, such as rice mills, which are rapidly expanding in Africa. In fact, we’ve been selected as a preferred boiler supplier in several of these countries.

When looking at overall industry trends, particularly in the food sector, Asia is emerging as a global food hub. Countries like India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Myanmar are increasingly exporting food products to Europe, the US, and North America. Additionally, we see significant activity in sectors like solvent oils, especially in regions like Indonesia.

There’s a noticeable shift and growth in the food industry, with Africa and Southeast Asia becoming key markets. We are fully present in these regions and are strengthening our roots there day by day.

IBT: Within India, which industries or regions constitute your primary customer base? How has the demand for heating solutions evolved in recent years, and what trends do you foresee?

Satbir Cheema: India, as a whole, is performing remarkably well, whether it’s the Northeast, South, Maharashtra, or any other region. We are present in all states and cities across India. While we have a significant focus in the North, given that we’re based there, our presence spans the entire country.

When it comes to heating solutions, sustainability remains a core value for us, embedded within the company. Our approach has always been to provide customers with flexibility in fuel options to help them achieve their primary goal—reducing steam costs. Our boilers and systems are designed to offer this flexibility, aligning with the growing market trend toward green energy, particularly after the Paris Agreement.

Biomass has emerged as a significant segment within green energy, and at Cheema Boilers Ltd., we have been dedicating substantial efforts to biomass-based solutions. Industry trends are also shifting toward biomass, and we are executing projects with major names like Haldiram, who are adopting biomass solutions.

For the F&B sector, we’ve introduced innovative models like BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) projects, where we set up and operate boilers, providing only steam to our clients. Additionally, we handle operations and maintenance (O&M), along with fuel supply, offering a one-stop solution. This eliminates the operational burden on our clients, allowing them to focus entirely on their core business rather than utilities.

This approach represents a new and aggressive trend in India, and we are fully committed to driving it forward.

IBT: What are your expectations from IndusFood Manufacturing 2025? How do you see this platform contributing to your company’s growth and visibility within the food manufacturing ecosystem?

Satbir Cheema: Honestly, this is our first time participating in this exhibition, and I’ve heard great things about it from across the industry. What I foresee in this event is an opportunity to expand our presence and showcase our brand on a global platform. IndusFood offers the chance to connect with customers and industries from around the world, including those setting up or running their units in the food sector.We view IndusFood as a significant opportunity to elevate our brand globally, and that’s why we’re excited to be part of it.

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Mr. Satbir Singh Cheema, a proud second-generation leader, joined Cheema Boilers Limited in 2010. With over 14 years of experience, he currently serves as the Director of Marketing, playing a key role in the company’s growth and success.

Skilled in negotiation, operations management, sales, and market research, Mr. Cheema’s expertise and commitment continue to enhance the company’s legacy and strengthen its leadership in the industry.