3i has deep experience of partnering with industrial companies across a variety of sub-verticals from tool manufacturing and packaging to construction equipment and engineering services.  The companies that have been supported by 3i include:

• Alimak Hek – fast growth through US acquisitions and Chinese manufacturing. Alimak Hek creates vertical access solutions for construction and permanent industry.  They offer hoists, lifts and mast climbing platforms to elevate people and equipment to great heights.  They have long-established manufacturing facilities across Europe and a global network of sales companies and distributors.  During the company’s 2001-06 partnership with 3i, Alimak Hek showed strong growth in revenue and profits, as it streamlined its product range, developed its rental business, acquired Champion in the US, and opened a manufacturing facility in China to supply the booming local market.
• Petrofac – transforming a business profile to generate added value in an IPO. When 3i invested in Petrofac in 2002, the company was simply known as an engineering procurement construction contractor.  During the next three years, 3i worked actively with the business as it transformed itself into a total integrated facilities management solutions provider for the oil and gas industry.  The company builds, operates, finances and co-invests in plant – upstream, midstream and downstream – underpinning its activities with innovative engineering design and comprehensive training programmes.  When the company floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2005, 3i’s original $40m investment had grown in value to $212m.
• STEN – migrating technical innovation and leadership to international markets. Founded in 1982, STEN develops formwork and scaffolding systems for construction and civil engineering projects.  It specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of top-quality technical products.  Renowned for its innovation and customer service, the company is run by a specialised team who receive regular training on the latest construction technologies and systems.  Following 3i’s investment in 2006, STEN is in the process of migrating its product leadership from Spain to international markets.
• Wendt – a management buyout achieving strong growth as an independent. Based in Germany, Wendt supplies solutions for high-end grinding operations in the automotive, aerospace and cutting tools industries.  It has an outstanding track record of introducing innovative processes and the quality of its products is backed up by excellent technical support.  3i invested in Wendt in 2005, supporting a management buyout from Anglo American plc.  During the next two years, 3i helped the business expand into China, accelerate growth projects, and augment its management team.  In June 2007, Wendt was bought by Winterthur Technologie AG – a new owner with the technological understanding and international presence to maintain Wendt’s strong progress.