Zeppelin Rentals enters transformer substation market

Zeppelin Group has acquired BEFRA Energietechnik GmbH, a Germany company that manufactures and rents transformer substations to customers in construction, biogas, solar and wind power, and power utilities.

BEFRA is based in Leutkirch im Allgäu in south west Germany and has almost 25 years’ experience in manufacturing, selling and renting mobile transformer substations. It will become part of Zeppelin Rentals’ Energy, Climate and Water division.

Christoph Afheldt, a member of the management board of Zeppelin Rental, said; “Demand for electricity is steadily increasing as part of the energy transition, including in the construction sector.

The acquisition of BEFRA Energietechnik adds mobile rental transformers to Zeppelin Rentals’ fleet. (Image: Zeppelin Rental)

“Whether for electrically powered equipment on construction sites or for the expansion of renewables, more and more transformer substations are required.

“Through this acquisition, we are adding around 70 mobile rental transformers to our own fleet and expanding our expertise in low- and medium-voltage technology.

“At the same time, we are reducing our dependence on external suppliers, can serve existing customers even more comprehensively, and gain access to new and attractive customer segments.”

The company’s Energy, Climate and Water division provides services for planning, installation and servicing of construction site infrastructure, including temporary water supplies, energy trading, power generation and temperature control.

The acquisition means that as well as renting substations, Zeppelin Rental will also be in the business of manufacturing and selling transsformers.

“This acquisition enables sustainable growth in an area where external factors such as long delivery times or limited availability have previously constrained us,” said Timo Heitkamp, head of Energy, Climate and Water at Zeppelin Rental.

“We are also pleased to have gained two colleagues in the form of the former company owners, who bring exceptional technical expertise and a broad network within the supplier industry.”

Zeppelin Rental has 2,500 employees at more than 185 locations in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.