3i has worked in partnership with general industrial businesses for decades.  In the last five years alone, we’ve invested around €1.6bn in the sector through our offices across Europe, Asia and the USA.

Because of our global presence, we have the insight to help best-in-class companies make the most of the sector’s powerful trends towards consolidation, internationalisation and offshoring.  Among the investments that illustrate our approach are:

• Wendt – a German company with new manufacturing facilities in China.  Wendt’s grinding tools enable its clients to make high-performance parts from exceptionally hard materials.  Following an investment in 2005, 3i worked with Wendt to restructure its Spanish operations and appoint a new president for its American business.  3i also provided intensive practical support as Wendt prepared to establish a manufacturing facility in China.  By 2007, when 3i sold its shareholding to Winterthur Technologie, Wendt had delivered substantial growth in sales, profits and employment.
• International Cars & Motors – a state-of-the-art MUV manufacturer in India.  International Cars & Motors was founded in 2003 to develop and manufacture multi-utility vehicles, a fast-growing segment of the automobile industry.  Funding from 3i in 2006 helped the company establish a highly-efficient factory capable of producing 24,000 high-quality, durable vehicles a year.  The company’s first model is the Rhino, a well-received MUV that involved a high degree of international collaboration – with MG Rover of the UK on design, and with Isuzu of Japan on the engine.
• AES Engineering – an award-winning UK business.  AES produces mechanical seals that eliminate leakage when rotating shafts enter equipment.  Founded in 1979, the business has achieved a presence in 30 countries and turnover of €100m.  3i initially participated though a 25% holding in 1996, when we introduced a new non-executive director, Hamdi Conger, who is highly experienced at growing international industrial businesses.  A further investment in 2007 took our shareholding to 40% and we are actively working with AES as the business seeks global market leadership.
• Scandlines – the largest ferry company in the southern Baltic.  Scandlines operates 12 passenger and freight ferry lines serving Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the Baltic States.  Each year it transports over 20m passengers and 5m cars and trucks, offering a wide range of restaurant, catering and tax-free services.  Since 3i acquired a 40% shareholding in 2007, we’ve introduced Jan Stenberg, former CEO of SAS, as Chairman.  We’re currently using our retail experience to help Scandlines accelerate sales growth and develop its duty-free stores, ahead of a potential IPO.