The Hague, The Netherlands 19th August
Airborne has attracted nine million euros in the capital market to accelerate growth and expansion of the company. Netherlands-based Airborne has the ambition to become a top player in Europe in the field of development and production of composite components for industrial applications. This is in line with the “Investing in tomorrow’s market leaders” credo of equity provider, Holland Private Equity.
The proceeds will be used to build the world’s first dedicated manufacturing facility for the continuous production of high-end fully bonded thermoplastic composite tubulars for the Oil & Gas industry. This facility will most likely be located in Rotterdam.
Over the past ten years, Airborne has developed the process technology to manufacture high-end thermoplastic tubular systems. This technology is now ready for industrial scaling. The fact that Oil & Gas Operators increasingly adopt composite tubulars as a true alternative to steel further validates Airborne’s strategic decision to push forward in this market.
The existing pilot line which will be scaled to an industrial level is the first fully automated production line for composite products that Airborne has developed in-house. Industrial production of composite components for other markets will follow in the years to come.
Arno van Mourik CEO Airborne International comments: “Our thermoplastic composite tubular products represent an exciting new technology and have the strong potential to fill definite gaps in downhole operations and the ever growing deepwater subsea market.“
Harry Dolman, Chief Operating Officer of HPE comments: "We are convinced of the market opportunity in the industrialization of composite component manufacturing and we are impressed by Airborne's management team and their ability to bring innovation to market. We are extremely pleased with this investment and look forward to a close cooperation with Airborne to continue and to accelerate its growth."
About Airborne International
Established in 1995, Airborne has developed itself into a leading design-and-build company in the business of high-end composites. The company develops and manufactures composite structures for primarily the aeronautic, space, astronomy, oil & gas, and high-end machine industries. The ultimate goal for Airborne is to create true enablers for its customers based upon recognised technology leadership and achieved market evidence. Airborne’s headquarters and primary engineering & manufacturing facility is located in The Hague, The Netherlands. In addition, the company has an engineering & manufacturing site in Gerona, Spain. Airborne employs around 120 people who are generally highly educated.
About Holland Private Equity
Established in 2008, Holland Private Equity (“HPE”) is a leading European private equity firm, focusing on late-stage growth investments in small and mid-cap technology companies within the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Its main focus is on stand-alone investment opportunities in which it can invest EUR 10 - 15m for a significant minority position. Having built a team of investment professionals and an advisory network of operational and technology veterans, HPE brings more than growth capital alone by closely working with management teams to accelerate growth. HPE has offices in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf.