Building a European service-driven platform in access systems
In a dialogue with Cristian Hostiuc, Jerome France, CEO and founder of EMI Group, looks back at how a business started in Romania in the early 2000s evolved into a European platform focused on access systems and long-term service.
What began as a local entrepreneurial initiative gradually specialized in industrial access solutions, with a clear focus on maintenance. Today, EMI Group operates in Romania, Belgium, and the Netherlands, combining production, installation, and multi-brand service capabilities across industrial and commercial environments.
A defining element of the Group is its service-first approach. Maintenance is not an add-on, but a core activity, with teams able to intervene quickly on any type of equipment, regardless of brand. In sectors where downtime directly impacts operations, responsiveness and reliability become critical.
The Group has reached around €80 million in turnover and is targeting €150 million in the coming years, driven by expansion in markets such as Belgium, where EMI is already among the leading players. This growth is supported by a platform model that combines private equity backing with the continued involvement of founders, preserving local expertise while enabling scale.
Jerome France also highlights the importance of technical teams in the field and the ongoing challenge of attracting skilled technicians. At the same time, Romania remains a strong base for technical talent, known for adaptability and practical problem-solving, further enhanced through knowledge sharing across the Group.
From complex industrial sites to large-scale infrastructure projects, EMI Group’s development reflects a consistent focus on service discipline, operational proximity, and long-term partnerships.