ACTEC A/S is growing on capitalizing knowledge and expertis

Eventually, batteries are needed everywhere. From tiny batteries to giant, specifically developed battery packs with many thousands of battery units built together crosswise. It requires specialist knowledge and experience to put together the right battery solution for a current task. The Randers company ACTEC A/S has become much better at valuing the employees' competencies - and get money for it when they have to advise customers.

Not stronger than the weakest link.

Owner manager Christian Nyborg's eyes light up when he has to talk about the development. “When a customer needs a battery for a specific purpose, we often agree to do comprehensive analytical work for the current need. It can often take between 6-12 months to develop the solution, and we make that visible to the customer.”

“We must ensure optimal service life for the customer's battery solution, and the chain is not stronger than the weakest link. The battery pack must e.g., not get too hot in the middle. We need to make sure that the whole package is equally active throughout its life. We do this, among other things. via thermography so that we can see that the heat is evenly distributed. Battery energy should be used for power, not heat. Our knowledge of batteries benefits our customers - and we have also become better at getting money for it. That time is well spent because the customer avoids problems in the end.”

Consultants too

“In the past, it was usually "just" about selling the Panasonic batteries the company has the agency for in Scandinavia. But ACTEC A/S is today also used as consultants for other companies”, says Christian. “We also sell our services: we can e.g., as independent experts help to find out which battery is best for a specific task in relation to the battery supplier. We then produce a

report with the decision basis for the company. Similarly, ACTEC A/S can blue-stamp and guarantee, for others, a shipment of batteries to be flown to a customer. The most used Lithium-Ion batteries of the time may only be sent as goods on an aircraft if it is charged to a maximum of 30%. As a sender, you must be able to guarantee this. We get e.g., 1,000 batteries for testing of the charge percentage and subsequently issue the customer with a guarantee for it."

Growth in revenue and earnings

Last year, revenue actually fell, even though gross profit increased by just over DKK 3 million. According to Christian, this is due to the sale of several hours. "We are getting better and better at making our competencies visible, and I think there will be an increased need for that in the future. Still, I expect increasing revenue, because with our agency at Panasonic batteries we have a really strong supplier who can supply batteries that match the needs in Scandinavia with both heat and cold.” He expects both increasing revenue and earnings in the coming years. “We are involved in the professional tasks. Today we are about 25 employees in Randers. They all think it's fun and exciting to be part of this journey. I’ll bet on it going in the right direction, next year too. Revenue is growing, but the gross profit will grow more,” he concludes optimistically.