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Altrad Group, one of the world’s leading industrial services providers, is marking its 40th anniversary this year, celebrating a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a global powerhouse.
Founded in Montpellier, France, in 1985 by entrepreneur Mohed Altrad, the Group began as a struggling scaffolding manufacturer. Four decades later, it employs around 65,000 people worldwide and generates more than €5.45 billion in annual revenues.
From its inception, Altrad’s growth has been driven by a strong set of human values – respect, solidarity, courage, humility and conviviality – which have underpinned its evolution from a regional French business into an integrated global player serving the energy, construction, and industrial sectors.
The early acquisition and revival of an insolvent scaffolding company laid the foundations for what would become a highly successful buy-and-build strategy.
Major turning points came in the mid-2010s with the acquisition of several historic businesses including Hertel (2015), Prezioso Linjebygg (2016), and Cape Plc (2017) – each with legacies stretching back over 100 years.
These strategic moves marked Altrad’s shift from being known primarily for construction equipment to becoming a fully-fledged industrial services group. The transformation continued at pace with further acquisitions of companies such as Doosan Babcock, Sparrows, Endel, and RMD Kwikform – adding some 20,000 employees to the business since 2020 alone.
“Our expansion has always been strategic and focused on creating long-term value for our clients,” said Mohed Altrad, the Group’s Founder and President. “This milestone is a moment of pride, but also a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the values that have shaped our culture since day one.”
A Global Footprint with Local Impact
Today, Altrad operates across six major regions – the UK & Nordics, Continental Europe, MENA, APAC, the Americas, and Africa. Its business is split between services (84%) and equipment (16%), with approximately €1 billion of annual revenue now coming from clean energy sectors including nuclear, hydrogen, and wind.
This diversification, the company says, has helped it weather economic cycles, provide stable employment, and support clients through their own sustainability transitions. Altrad is also active in some of the world’s most iconic restoration projects, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Central to Altrad’s success is its people-first philosophy. The company continues to invest heavily in its workforce, nurturing talent across its global operations and encouraging long-term career development.
It’s a commitment that extends beyond business. Through its Altrad Solidarity endowment fund, the Group supports social causes and grassroots initiatives worldwide. Its long-standing sponsorship of the French national rugby team and New Zealand’s All Blacks also reflects the company’s passion for teamwork, unity and community engagement.
As Altrad enters its fifth decade, the Group shows no signs of slowing down. Its focus remains on innovation, client satisfaction, and playing a meaningful role in shaping a more sustainable future.
“We are proud of our humble roots and the important role we play today in maintaining critical infrastructure and supporting economies,” said Mohed Altrad. “With our values guiding us and our talented people driving us forward, we look to the future with confidence.”
