Jonathan Desmars embodies a rare combination at Soteck Clauger. He combines in-depth technical expertise in industrial refrigeration with a deeply human approach to the business.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in the refrigeration industry, his reputation is built on rigour, collaboration and the ability to meet complex technical challenges.
Since joining in 2022, he has contributed to the development of industrial refrigeration and HVAC, as well as the structuring of customer service. His role is to support technical teams and help customers find long-lasting, high-performance solutions.
Forged in the cold,from construction sites to complex installations
After six years of studying refrigeration, Jonathan began his career as a refrigeration service technician in the commercial and semi-industrial sectors. Through his numerous assignments at hospitals, restaurants, shopping centres, and artisanal plants, he acquired a solid technical foundation and a practical understanding of operational challenges.
He then moved into the maritime refrigeration sector, working on fishing boats and dry dock installations. This context taught him to operate in constrained environments where reliability is essential.
He went on to specialize in semi-industrial and industrial refrigeration, particularly in the food industry. He successively held the roles of technician, specialized mechanic and site supervisor. He then moved on to technical team coordination and management positions.
Industries where reliability is non-negotiable
His areas of expertise include:
- Cured meats, dairies and cheese plants
- Food processing plants
- Pharmaceuticals and chemicals
- Fruit growing, market gardening and fishing
From NH₃ to team management: 360° expertise
- Industrial refrigeration, including systems using NH₃ (ammonia) and CO₂.
- Mechanical overhaul of equipment, especially compressors
- Welding, technical brazing and field team management
- Structuring the customer service and upgrading skills
- Rolling out an in-house training program accessible to the entire team, focused on continuous learning, supported by an active presence in schools and the hiring of young employees to prepare for the company’s future.
Observed data, not guesswork
What sets Jonathan apart is his hands-on approach to the job. He doesn’t work on the basis of assumptions, but rather of data observed directly on site.
For him, an effective solution is first and foremost tailored to the customer’s real needs. He is known for his ability to explain complex technical issues in simple terms. As a result, managers and operating teams better understand their plants and make better decisions.
First times open new doors
Jonathan piloted a major shutdown on an NH₃ condenser for Lactalis, a first for Soteck Clauger. The challenge: to intervene on a technology with little in-house expertise, while maintaining a high level of safety. Thanks to a collaborative and structured approach, he successfully completed the project.
He also managed Soteck Clauger’s first complete mechanical overhaul of the Warwick arena. This project helped develop new in-house skills and opened the door to similar projects in the future.
Listen first, then serve
For Jonathan, customer relations are based on listening, trust and long-term collaboration. His goal is not to replace an existing supplier, but to make sure the customer is well served and well supported.
His philosophy: be present, understand the context, propose the right solutions and build a lasting relationship.
Driven by the desire to develop Soteck Clauger’s expertise in industrial refrigeration, every day he builds solutions, develops teams and creates new opportunities for his customers.