Serge Boutry et Rémy Rochard
With 250 employees, Airflux is one of France's leading names in industrial compressed air with clients like Thyssen, Téréos and 3M.

How is compressed air used in industry?

Serge Boutry: Compressed air is considered by industrial operators as an energy source in its own right, in the same way as electricity, steam and gas. The most significant applications include the production of nitrogen from compressed air to create inert packaging in the agri-food industry.

The automotive industry is a major consumer of compressed air. This is also the case for all companies that use compressed air as an adaptable and explosion-proof energy source.

How have you positioned yourselves in this market?

S.B.: To begin with, we were distributors of compressor units, for which we also provided after-sales service. We are now positioned as complete solution integrators and energy suppliers. Our expertise means that, with ours clients at an early stage, we are able to consider the production and compressed air treatment systems to be installed with our clients. Then, in the majority of cases, our business model is based on providing installation units (facilities management) and selling compressed air by the cubic metre. One of our specific characteristics is that we are able to commit ourselves to supplying energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as the quality and quantity of compressed air produced, at a set price.

In the age of the circular economy, what new solutions do you offer your clients?

S.B.: For us, the circular economy is both a reality and something to work on for the future. The first challenge is to extend the life span of our equipment. With limited changes in technology, it is entirely possible to keep a compressor in service for 20 years. With a view to this, we have an equipment reconditioning business that we are introducing to our clients, with plans for a website selling compressors and reconditioned spare parts. The other major challenge is that of energy efficiency. Compressed air production uses 10 times the amount of power output. With this in mind, we have invested in a start-up called Metron, which develops energy intelligence concepts. Our aim is to offer solutions for converting unused energy into heat for heating and industrial processes.

Are you planning to diversify?

S.B.: This is a current topic with our merger with Chaumeca. This long-standing partner produces air and gas processing equipment, in particular for biomethanisation. This technique consists of purifying methane in order to reuse it or convert it into compressed natural gas (CNG). We therefore remain in the area of fluids but are entering a new chapter in our history by positioning ourselves in the compressed gas and fuel market. This is also an opportunity for us to initiate an international expansion strategy, as Chaumeca is already present in exports.

This external growth has also provided the opportunity for us to join forces with investors like Crédit Mutuel Equity (formerly CM-CIC Investissement), which is now helping us with our development projects beyond the financial realm.

What the partner says

Airflux according to Amaury Leleu, Crédit Mutuel Equity

The strategy of Airflux and its executive director Serge Boutry is based firmly on its prospects for growth, which will be boosted considerably by the merger with Chaumeca.

Airflux and Chaumeca have long made energy optimisation central to how they design their products and solutions. The reduction in energy consumption specific to the production or processing of compressed air is the main assessment criterion for developments and innovations. By standing out in this way, Airflux has been able to evolve from its historic position of distributor to that of energy solutions integrator.

The company, which has over 250 employees, is aiming for sales of over €50m in 2017. It covers all of France via its 24 sites and 80 service technicians. By capitalising on its export partners and the expertise of its executive director Rémy Rochard, Airflux intends to develop a lasting relationship with its energy market partners and roll out its activities in other countries.

Airflux in brief

250 employees

24 sites

€50m of revenue in 2016

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