Aerofilm
Aerofilm Systems is a family-owned Netherlands-based manufacturer specializing in compressed-air air caster technology for moving heavy loads up to 10,000 tons, serving industrial enterprise customers in transformers, modular construction, aerospace, semiconductors, and offshore sectors globally through direct sales and an international distributor and OEM partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersEindhoven, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Aerofilm does
Aerofilm Systems B.V. is a Netherlands-based specialist manufacturer of air caster transport solutions, founded in 1981 in Eindhoven. The company's core technology uses compressed air to create a thin air film between heavy loads and the floor, reducing friction to approximately 1/1000th of original levels and enabling movement of objects weighing up to 10,000 tons with minimal force. Aerofilm operates an integrated in-house design and manufacturing model at its 1,500 m² facility in Eindhoven, producing a portfolio spanning Neoprene air casters (500-80,000 kg capacity), Polyurethane air casters (250-10,000 kg), Air Jacks (65,000 kg), Air Control Units, Load Module Systems, Embedded Air Caster Systems, and application-specific platforms such as Air Planks, Air Pallets, and Roll Movers. The company remains family-owned, with CEO Jacco Driessen and co-owner Loes van Brienen (daughter of founder Ruud van Brienen), and no external institutional investment.
Aerofilm serves industrial enterprise customers across verticals including transformer manufacturing, semiconductor/cleanroom operations, offshore and shipbuilding, modular construction, industrial relocation, aerospace and aviation, cable production, and entertainment. Named customers include Ganz Transformers, Lagor Srl, Heijmans, Farley & Associates, and Hydro Systems KG. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of air caster units and complete transport systems, supplemented by custom engineering and integration services and recurring spare parts revenue. Pricing is quote-based with no public disclosure. Distribution occurs through direct sales from Eindhoven, wholly-owned subsidiaries in Germany (Aerofilm Systems GmbH, established 1987) and the United States (Aerofilm Systems Inc., established 2018), and an international partner network of distributors, resellers, and OEM machine builders spanning the USA, multiple European countries, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Czech Republic. The company markets through technical blog content, LinkedIn, YouTube, and active participation in industry events including the World of Modular trade show series and the SC&RA trade association.
Aerofilm firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aerofilm
- Legal name
- Aerofilm Systems B.V.
- Website
- https://aerofilmsystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Aerofilm Systems is a family-owned Netherlands-based manufacturer specializing in compressed-air air caster technology for moving heavy loads up to 10,000 tons, serving industrial enterprise customers in transformers, modular construction, aerospace, semiconductors, and offshore sectors globally through direct sales and an international distributor and OEM partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aerofilm industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Material Handling Equipment
- NAICS
- Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413), Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing (333923)
- SIC
- Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers) (IMAHABAI)
Keywords
Where Aerofilm is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Eindhoven
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Aerofilm business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Air Caster Products: Sale of air caster units including Neoprene (500-80,000 kg), Polyurethane (250-10,000 kg), Gap Crossers, Air Jacks, Support Plates, and Drives. One-time product sales with varying load capacities.
- Air Caster Systems: Complete transport systems including Load Module Systems, Embedded Air Caster Systems, Air Planks, Air Pallets, and Roll Movers. Custom-configured solutions for specific industrial applications.
- Spare Parts: Replacement air casters, spare parts, and consumables for existing systems. Supports ongoing maintenance and system longevity.
- Custom Engineering & Integration: Design and development of customized air caster solutions integrated into customer equipment or facilities, often involving OEM partnerships.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Aerofilm product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aerofilm designs, manufactures and sells air caster transport systems that use compressed air to create a thin air film between load and floor, allowing extremely heavy objects (up to 10,000 tons) to be moved with minimal force. The portfolio spans individual Neoprene (500-80,000 kg) and Polyurethane (250-10,000 kg) air casters, Air Jacks (up to 65,000 kg), Support Plates, Air Control Units, Drives (up to 150,000 kg), plus system-level platforms such as Load Module Systems, Embedded Air Caster Systems, Air Planks, Air Pallets and Roll Movers, all built in-house at the Eindhoven facility.
Product overview
Aerofilm is a specialist manufacturer of air caster transport solutions for moving heavy objects with minimal friction. The core technology uses compressed air to create a thin film between the load and floor, allowing objects to float and be moved with minimal force. The product portfolio centers on air caster systems with different membrane materials (Neoprene for heavy-duty applications up to 80,000 kg, Polyurethane for standard use up to 10,000 kg), complemented by supporting products including Air Jacks for lifting (65,000 kg capacity), Support Plates for load distribution, Air Control Units for pneumatic management, and Drives for motorized movement (up to 150,000 kg). The company offers system platforms including Load Module Systems, Embedded Air Caster Systems, and Air Planks for various industrial applications. Production is conducted in-house at their 1,500 m2 facility in Eindhoven, Netherlands, with subsidiaries in Germany (Aerofilm Systems GmbH) and the United States (Aerofilm Systems Inc.). Founded in 1981, the family-owned company serves industries including transformers, semiconductors, offshore, construction, aerospace, and entertainment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Neoprene Air Caster Air caster with Neoprene membrane, suitable for heavy loads from 500 to 80,000 kg (1,100 to 175,000 lbs); the Neoprene material provides durability and resistance for demanding industrial applications.
- Polyurethane Air Casters Air caster with Polyurethane membrane rated for loads from 250 to 10,000 kg (550 to 22,000 lbs); Polyurethane offers good wear resistance for standard industrial use.
- Gap Crosser Air caster variant designed to bridge floor gaps and thresholds during transport, supporting loads from 250 kg to 10,000 kg (570 lbs to 24,000 lbs).
- Air Jacks Heavy-duty inflatable lifting bags capable of lifting loads up to 65,000 kg (143,000 lbs); used for lifting heavy equipment with compressed air.
- Support Plates Load distribution plates that spread the weight of air casters across a larger surface area, rated for 500 to 80,000 kg (1,100 to 175,000 lbs).
- Air Control Units Pneumatic control units with 4 or 6 connection ports that regulate and distribute compressed air to air caster systems.
- Drives Powered drive units for air caster transport systems, capable of moving loads up to 150,000 kg (330,000 lbs) with motorized assistance.
- Spare Parts Replacement components for air caster systems including membranes, connectors, and wear parts; compatible with various air caster brands and configurations.
- Load Module System Modular air caster transport platform that integrates multiple air casters for moving heavy industrial loads with standardized components.
- Embedded Air Caster System Permanently installed air caster system integrated into factory floors or equipment for continuous heavy-load transport capabilities.
- Air Planks Elongated air caster platforms designed for moving long or oversized loads such as beams, pipes, or large machinery.
- Air Pallet Pallet-style air caster platform for moving heavy equipment, capable of handling up to 20,000 pounds per unit with guide wheels for precise positioning.
- Roll Mover Specialized air caster system designed for moving rolls such as paper, steel coils, and film reels in material handling applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Move 1,000 kg with only 1 kg of force (1/1000th friction reduction)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Aerofilm
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Aerofilm technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Aerofilm partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Actemium (formerly AVT Europe)coreMachine manufacturer and OEM partner specializing in robotics, customized machinery, and heavy load transport solutions. Part of VINCI Energies group with over 100 skilled technical employees. Collaboration since 2019 combining Aerofilm's air caster technology with AVT's integration expertise for complex transport systems.
- IntraLogixminorPolish distributor of forklift attachments and electric pullers since 2003. Partnership launched in 2024 to provide air caster solutions to customers in Poland with fast delivery and technical support.
- Farley & Associates Inc.coreUS-based distributor with 23+ years experience in air cushion transport on the East Coast since 1998. Markets include modular construction, truck manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Successfully implemented air pallet solutions for data center server rack installations.
- Kansai Kakoki Shokai (KKS)minorJapanese company since 1978 serving printing, film, foil, and secondary battery industries. 20+ years of cooperation with Aerofilm with staff trained on air caster technology and established installed base throughout Japan.
- PronalminorFrench manufacturer of flexible inflatable products including lifting casters, storage tanks, and sealing systems. Both companies specialize in rubber processing. Pronal products including CLT lifting casters added to Aerofilm portfolio.
- ConsultraminorTurkish partner distributing air caster solutions in Turkey market.
- ArtexminorSouth Korean partner distributing air caster solutions in South Korea market.
- AntimuminorIndian partner distributing air caster solutions in India market.
- AgepaminorBelgian company since 1947 specializing in winding and unwinding machinery for continuous material processing industries.
- FADA EngineeringcoreTurkish company specializing in battery, rail and air caster transfer cars, and intralogistics systems since 15 years. Serves automotive, logistics, rail systems, energy, nuclear, aerospace and steel industries. Integrates air caster technology into custom transport systems for US market projects.
- ASE SystemscoreUS provider in Southern states with 25+ years experience in air caster technology. Provides standardized and customized solutions for moving compact heavy loads to extremely heavy shipbuilding applications with emphasis on precision and ergonomic handling.
- A.A.E.S. Inc.coreUS company on West Coast with 20 years experience in internal transport solutions. Handles loads from 200 kg to 7 million kg combining their design expertise with Aerofilm's 40 years of air caster experience.
- Bonde Equipment Company LLCcoreUS distributor in Midwest with 30+ years experience in lifting, hoisting, and handling equipment. Led by Sven Bonde, representing air caster solutions with focus on quality products and customer satisfaction.
- ATC DrasarminorCzech company since 1993 specializing in conveyor systems and air caster structures. Only company in Czech Republic offering machine moving service on air casters. Provides sales, development, and service including 65-ton furnace and 45-ton process room moves.
- Klütsch TransportlösungenminorGerman engineering firm since 1972 with focus on paper industry machines and internal transport solutions. Cooperation with Aerofilm started 2021, sharing engineering firm DNA and long-term partnership approach.
- Cargo Flet BlasantminorSpanish manufacturer and distributor of tools, machines and lifting systems for internal logistics since 28 years. Committed to innovation, quality, safety and service with increasing demand for air cushions complementing their portfolio.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aerofilm competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Demag Cranes: Global provider of industrial cranes, hoists, and material handling solutions. A broad incumbent whose overhead crane systems compete with air caster solutions for heavy-load movement applications in manufacturing facilities.
- Konecranes: Global lifting equipment and crane manufacturer serving heavy industrial customers. An alternative solution provider for moving heavy loads in factories and shipyards, competing for the same capital budgets as air caster systems.
- Conductix-Wampfler: Global supplier of mobile electrification, data communication, and material handling systems including crane and hoist solutions. A broad incumbent in industrial material handling with overlapping customer base but different core technology.
- Bosch Rexroth: Global supplier of drive and control technologies, factory automation, and material handling systems including linear motion and assembly solutions. A broad incumbent whose automation products compete for industrial heavy-load handling budgets.
- Jungheinrich: Global intralogistics provider of forklifts, pallet trucks, and warehouse equipment. A broad incumbent serving overlapping heavy-load material handling customers but with fundamentally different (wheel-based) technology.
Emerging players
- Caster Concepts: US heavy-duty industrial caster and wheel manufacturer serving material handling applications. An adjacent player in the heavy-load movement space, but uses mechanical casters rather than air film technology.
Direct peers
- Hovair Systems: UK-based air caster and air bearing manufacturer providing similar heavy-load movement solutions across industrial, aerospace, and manufacturing applications. Direct competitor in the European air caster market.
- Airfloat: US manufacturer of air caster and air bearing systems for moving heavy loads in industrial settings. Offers competing air film transport solutions with similar load ranges and use cases to Aerofilm.
- AeroGo: US-based manufacturer of air caster load moving systems and air bearings, with directly comparable product range (air casters, air pallets, air skates) serving similar heavy-load industrial applications. Closest direct competitor in the air caster category.
Others
- Pronal: French manufacturer of flexible inflatable products including lifting cushions and air caster-style devices. Both an Aerofilm channel partner and a tangential competitor in pneumatic lifting and moving equipment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Aerofilm social profiles
Digital presenceAerofilm financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aerofilm leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Aerofilm subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Aerofilm funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aerofilm M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aerofilm
What does Aerofilm do?
Aerofilm designs, manufactures and sells air caster transport systems that use compressed air to create a thin air film between load and floor, allowing extremely heavy objects (up to 10,000 tons) to be moved with minimal force. The portfolio spans individual Neoprene (500-80,000 kg) and Polyurethane (250-10,000 kg) air casters, Air Jacks (up to 65,000 kg), Support Plates, Air Control Units, Drives (up to 150,000 kg), plus system-level platforms such as Load Module Systems, Embedded Air Caster Systems, Air Planks, Air Pallets and Roll Movers, all built in-house at the Eindhoven facility.
Is Aerofilm a public or private company?
Aerofilm is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Aerofilm founded?
Aerofilm was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Aerofilm based?
Aerofilm is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Aerofilm make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Air Caster Products are the primary driver. The others are air Caster Systems, spare Parts and custom Engineering & Integration.
Who are Aerofilm's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Demag Cranes, Konecranes, Conductix-Wampfler, Bosch Rexroth and Jungheinrich. Caster Concepts is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Hovair Systems, Airfloat and AeroGo. Pronal is listed as an others.
Does Aerofilm have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aerofilm.
What industry is Aerofilm in?
Aerofilm's product category is Industrial Material Handling Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHABAI, Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers). Its NAICS code is 333413 and its SIC code is 3537.