ISTOBAL, grew by 13.4% in 2021 and recovered pre-pandemic turnover levels, reaching a turnover of 145.7 million euro. In addition, the company has recorded an EBITDA of 14.4 million, which represents a 61.2% increase compared to the previous year.
The Group closed its 2021 financial year with a positive performance thanks to the recovery of the sector, as well as the development of new products and services adapted to the needs of companies linked to the car wash business, which stand out by their high profitability and the best user experience.
In 2021, 75% of the company´s turnover had an international scope, and the key markets were in this order: France, Italy, the US, the UK and Denmark. Israel also entered the top 10 key markets for the company.
Among its foreign subsidiaries, of particular note is the growth in turnover in the US, with increases of over 43% in turnover, followed by Brazil, which recorded a 33% growth in sales last year. In terms of European markets, its subsidiaries in Italy, Sweden and Austria grew by more than 20%. By product divisions, rollovers continue to lead ISTOBAL's sales in 2021. Additionally, the lines that have experienced the greatest growth have been: the connectivity division, with figures 41% higher than the previous year's, as well as water treatment, jet wash and Commercial vehicles, with increases of around 20% compared to 2020.
Internationalisation, sustainability and digital transformation
In 2022 ISTOBAL will continue to focus on international sales, sustainability and digital transformation to strengthen its leadership in the vehicle wash sector. The recent entry of Inversiones Herrecha with a 22% stake in ISTOBAL's capital will contribute to boosting the company's strategic projects and expansion plans in the coming years.
The group will continue to leverage new technologies to develop disruptive solutions that enhance the user experience of automotive wash solutions and bring value to the customer, increasing profitability, sustainability and safety in the vehicle cleaning business.
To this end, digital transformation will continue to be a priority within the organisation, both for the development of products, processes and strategies. ISTOBAL's goal is to create a data-driven culture with business intelligence at all levels, promoting business growth, competitiveness levels and increasing the efficiency of production processes.
In terms of sustainability, the company will continue to promote the development of pioneering solutions that reduce the consumption of water, energy and chemicals in vehicle washing without affecting the quality of the end result.
Additionally, ISTOBAL will drive growth this year in key geographic markets such as the United States and China, among others. In addition, in 2022 it has intensified its presence at international trade fairs in the sector with participation in more than a dozen strategic events for the company.
