Envirotainer
The company today
Envirotainer manufactures and leases temperature-controlled containers to ship sensitive goods by air. Based on patented technology, they are actively heated or cooled. Thermostats and fans inside each container ensure that products are maintained at the right temperature. Envirotainer's concept offers customers greater flexibility at lower cost compared to buying their own containers. Envirotainer has around 3,500 containers in its leasing fleet.
The pharmaceutical industry accounts for 80 percent of the customer base, including major manufacturers of vaccines, insulin and penicillin. Other customers include companies that ship fresh goods and the high-tech industry.
- "Industrifonden has worked with Envirotainer since 1999, first as a lender and later an investor. Last year the company reported its first profit. The future looks bright, since in just a few years it has earned a reputation as an established partner to several of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies," said Anders Eklund, Investment Manager at Industrifonden.
Background
Founded in 1985 under the name Frigotainer, Envirotainer launched a major expansion in the late 1990's. The company adopted its current name and obtained capital from Industrifonden, among others. It expanded too quickly, however, and 2004 was nearly bankrupt.
What did Industrifonden offer?
Industrifonden helped to put in place Envirotainer's refinancing in 2004 in cooperation with banks and other financial sources. Operations were streamlined to a level that met market demand. This marked a new start for the company, which has since developed positively every year.
Next step
Envirotainer wants to broaden its offering and further strengthen its brand among air carriers and shippers that transport containers. It is also developing a new container made of composite material. Envirotainer is working actively with its offering so that customers not only see it as a company that rents containers, but also as an adviser and partner on transporting sensitive goods.
Future outlook
Prospects of further expansion are good. The pharmaceutical industry, which is the company's largest customer category, is expected to see an annual increase in shipments of temperature-sensitive products of 10-15 percent in the next five years. Envirotainer currently has 15-20 percent of the global market. Its goal is to double that number through profitable, and preferably organic, growth.