Aiming High
Interview with Frank Scheidt, Managing Director of Deutsche Industrie Dienstleistungs GmbH
With the approach 'The right equipment for every task,' DID Group offers the right solution when it comes to transporting large, heavy, or bulky objects upwards. The merger of several industrial service providers in the field of forklift, lifting platform, and crane rentals operates nationwide and has a portfolio of more than 3,000 rental devices. However, the success is not only based on the quality and performance of the fleet but also on the accompanying service, as Managing Director Frank Scheidt explains in an interview with the Wirtschaftsforum.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Scheidt, can you give us an overview of the DID Group and its development in recent years?
Frank Scheidt: The DID Group is a conglomerate of industrial service providers. Our focus is on renting aerial platforms, forklifts, and cranes. To expand our portfolio and strengthen our market presence, the group has grown significantly in recent years through the acquisition of several companies.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has the corporate structure developed in recent years?
Frank Scheidt: In 2019, we acquired Marcus Transport GmbH and in 2020, Ferdinand Steuerer GmbH. In 2023, we added Schmidt-Falbe Forklifts GmbH, and in 2024, we expanded our presence in Siegerland and Sauerland as well as in Hesse with the acquisition of Dornseiff Group, also adding mobile crane rentals to our product portfolio. Overall, we operate ten locations in Germany, which allow us to be close to our customers and operate nationwide.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the main features of your service?
Frank Scheidt: We place great emphasis on flexibility and technical expertise. Our customers can rely on us to respond to their needs at short notice. Additionally, we are heavily involved in consulting to ensure that our clients receive the right equipment for their specific application.
Wirtschaftsforum: What trend topics do you observe in the industry and how are you preparing your company for future requirements?
Frank Scheidt: The importance of occupational safety is increasing in Germany. Many companies are increasingly using modern working equipment such as work platforms and forklifts instead of traditional methods like ladders. We see great growth potential here, as our rental rate in Germany is still low compared to other countries. Another aspect is the increased use of digital solutions to minimize safety risks, such as the use of software to monitor devices and carry out maintenance work. We invest in modern technologies and training programs to ensure that our employees are optimally prepared for future challenges.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you handle acquisitions of other companies?
Frank Scheidt: We only acquire companies that have grown over a long period of time and are highly profitable. In acquisitions, it is important to us that the former CEOs stay in the company for at least two more years to pass on their knowledge and experience. Our strategy is aimed at optimizing the companies and not fundamentally restructuring them.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the average rental period of your equipment?
Frank Scheidt: A significant portion of our rentals are on daily and monthly contracts. Many customers rent equipment for specific projects that need to be carried out on a short-term basis. A major financial advantage is cost control. Renting eliminates the need for high investments in purchasing equipment that may not be continuously required. Customers can precisely plan their expenses since we offer clear daily, weekly, and monthly rates that include all costs, including maintenance and service. Additionally, by renting, they avoid storage costs and tied-up capital, which is particularly advantageous for companies wanting to remain flexible during times of economic uncertainty.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has DID Group's revenue developed since 2019?
Frank Scheidt: Since 2019, we have been able to quadruple our revenue, currently exceeding 60 million EUR. This is due to both organic growth and acquisitions. We are highly profitable and have continuously driven our growth.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your growth ambitions for the future?
Frank Scheidt: We are constantly in talks with more companies and aim to expand our presence comprehensively across Germany. Our focus is on the quality of the companies we acquire, and we are convinced that there are still many opportunities for organic growth.