In 2011, Eltel Group passed EUR 1 billion in sales – with stable improvements in both earnings and cash flow. Over the last 10 years, Eltel has developed into a well recognised service company with competitiveness originating from people motivation and industry-leading competencies.
A new specialised organization with a focus on operational efficiency and long-term customer relationships will continue to strengthen Eltel’s market position in going forward. This is also supported by the short-term outlook of market conditions, which continue to look positive also in 2012.
Net sales of EUR 1,011 billion are 18% higher than in 2010. This was achieved organically. Sales developed favourably in most business units of the Group. New market expansion took place at the end of the year when the UK’s National Grid selected Eltel, together with its British partner Carillion plc., as one of the preferred bidders in their five-year investment project. The UK will add a tenth country of permanent establishment in Eltel’s European footprint.
Eltel’s strong determination to build a true service company is paying off. Today, Eltel has a well-structured and unified organisation with close to 400 specialised teams in the field. Well-trained and experienced employees with in-depth knowledge of customer processes create customer satisfaction and provide added value for our customers. Continued programmes to improve operational efficiency have been implemented and Eltel’s overall competitiveness has improved in recent years. The ability to use internal resources across national borders has become more important in order to respond to changes in local demand. The number of employees increased by 4% to 8,064 persons at year-end.
The tenth anniversary celebrations focused on events with customers and personnel. The main event took place in Copenhagen where the challenges of world infrastructures were discussed with operators and industry experts. The conclusion of the discussions was that there are still a lot of opportunities to improve current practices on to design, manage and operate networks for better efficiency. Eltel is positioned well to be an active player with its experience, customer partnerships and well-established field service organisations.
In terms of technology and solutions, Smart Grids will be playing a growing role in the future. This means a variety of things from distributed power generation systems, renewable energy sources, machine-to-machine solutions to electricity vehicles. Eltel occupies pole position due to its long-standing experience in both electricity and telecommunications, but also its utilisation of modern IT-based solutions in its own operations as well as in customer solutions. The company’s offerings include, for example, installing and delivering complete Smart Metering systems, building charging networks for Electricity Vehicles and installing and connecting Wind Power plants.
In February, a new brand image was launched with Solution helmets and the slogan “Eltel – Boosting Infranet Quality”. As for its business strategy, Eltel aims to continue to grow as a leader of Infranet services in Europe. Process and people development are the most important activities in the company’s development over the next few years.
Detailed figures are published as the audit process will be completed in early April.
Eltel Group Corporation
Axel Hjärne
President and CEO