AFIX Group has taken a significant step in its European growth strategy with the opening of a new German subsidiary and the award of key regulatory approval for its system scaffolding range.
The company, which operates a UK branch in Thornwood, has confirmed the establishment of AFIX GmbH in Schweitenkirchen, near Munich, and has received general building authority approval from the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik for its AFIXFAST X52 system scaffold.
The approval, known as abZ/aBG, confirms that the system complies with Germany’s strict construction and safety requirements. It provides formal assurance for designers, contractors and inspection bodies, and simplifies the use of the system on complex construction, industrial, infrastructure and event projects.
Stephan Hillaert, chief executive of AFIX Group, said the approval marked an important validation of the company’s long-term investment in product development and technical capability.
He said the business had undergone significant professionalisation since private equity firm Dovesco joined eight years ago, allowing AFIX to invest in technical expertise, production facilities and safety-focused processes.
“That we have successfully completed this journey is now once again confirmed by the DIBt approval, widely regarded as the world’s most respected authority for scaffolding certification,” he said.
Technical validation across Europe
AFIX Group’s chief technology officer, Tom Van Herbruggen, said the approval followed a strategic overhaul of the company’s system scaffolding portfolio in 2021, resulting in the AFIXFAST X52 and X37 ranges.
The AFIXFAST X37 system received NF certification in France in 2022 through Afnor Certification, while the X52 system has now been formally approved in Germany.
He said the extensive testing and audit programme meant the technical data for AFIXFAST X52 had been independently validated, giving engineers and clients confidence that structural calculations are fully substantiated.
“This validation is a fundamental prerequisite for the safety of temporary structures,” he said.
The new German branch will support customers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, supplying system scaffolds and compatible solutions for scaffolding, stages, and grandstands.
Operations will be led by Christian Spies, managing director of AFIX GmbH, who brings extensive experience and regional industry contacts.
He said the DIBt approval would act as a gateway to wider market adoption, supported by local sales, service, and logistics.
Through its AFIX Finance unit, the group will also offer purchase, rental and tailored financing options, including export-backed funding solutions for customers in the DACH market.
Platform for further expansion
AFIX Group said Germany would act as a launchpad for further European expansion, building on more than 20 years of manufacturing experience and a service model that combines engineering, logistics, rental, and financing.
“Our goal is to build a strong network of service branches,” Mr Spies said. “This allows us to bring our international expertise closer to customers, with the speed and efficiency the market now expects.”
