Walton’s Strategic Ascent in Refrigeration

Tahsinul Haque 
Chief Business Officer (CBO) 
Walton Refrigerator

Our goal is to establish ourselves as one of the leading global consumer electronics brands by 2030, and refrigeration is a critical element of that progress. We address global cooling by employing a “local market fit + global standard” model. This approach involves conducting market-specific research on consumer requirements.

Over the last decade, Walton has grown from a fast-rising local brand into a serious regional exporter in home cooling. From deeper local manufacturing to design-led models and smart features, the company is now positioning itself for global competition.

The Daily Star (TDS): How would you describe Walton’s overall growth strategy in the refrigeration sector over the last decade?

Tahsinul Haque (TH): Three interconnected pillars have been the driving force behind our success: manufacturing depth, innovation, and distribution with service. We were not interested in becoming a mere assembly-based player. We enhanced backward integration, which enabled us to maintain competitive costs, reduce lead times, increase quality assurance, and control essential components.

TDS: Tell us about your global outlets and establishments around the world.

TH: Our international presence is expanding as a result of a combination of direct brand development, OEM collaborations, and exports. We export refrigerators and components to a diverse range of destinations, such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. We have achieved around 37 per cent growth in refrigerator exports in 2025 compared to 2024. To expand our networks and relationships, we also participate in international trade exhibitions, including the Canton Fair.

TDS: Walton is famous for tempered glass-door refrigerators with printed designs. How has the market responded compared to stainless steel or solid-colour models?

TH: Metropolitan households have responded with an abundance of enthusiasm. The refrigerator’s appearance is crucial as it is frequently visible in the living or dining areas. Tempered glass is also in demand due to its contemporary appearance, ease of cleaning, and ability to eradicate visible fingerprints, which some customers associate with steel surfaces.

TDS: With AIoT smart refrigerators and “AI Doctor” diagnostics, how do you see Walton refrigeration evolving in the next 3–5 years?

TH: Refrigeration will become service-oriented, interconnected, and predictive. By identifying issues at an earlier stage and providing more precise guidance. Smart features that are combined with genuine durability and service capability, rather than gimmicks, will emerge as the most successful brands in the next 3-5 years. Our objective is to render smart refrigeration both practical and affordable, with a particular emphasis on emerging markets.