Skovtrolden doubles its revenue – leasing accelerates growth

In recent years, Skovtroldens Udkørsel has experienced remarkable growth. With kompasbank as a long-term partner, the company has gained access to a flexible credit facility where both loans and leasing play an important role. This setup allows liquidity to be directed towards other growth initiatives while enabling the company to invest quickly in new machinery and technology.

Leasing provides access to cutting-edge technology

Since we last spoke in early 2023, Skovtroldens Udkørsel has nearly doubled its revenue to just under DKK 42 million and increased its operating profit by 50% to DKK 7.5 million*. At the same time, the company has grown from 13 to 22 employees and now operates a significantly larger fleet of machines.

An important part of this growth journey has been the company’s investments in new machinery through leasing. Most recently, Skovtroldens Udkørsel, with the help of kompasbank, acquired a Sleipner – one of the newest and most advanced electric forestry machines on the Danish market – which was featured in Maskinbladet as the first of its kind sold to a Danish forestry contractor.

“We’ve seen enormous demand for our services, and the leasing solution from kompasbank has made it possible to access the newest and most advanced equipment without tying up our liquidity unnecessarily. It allows us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver even better service to our customers,” says owner Torben Hansen.

Bringing both loans and leasing together under kompasbank has given Skovtroldens Udkørsel a clear financial overview and the flexibility needed to scale the business efficiently.

“Even now, as we’ve grown and have more options available to us, we continue to choose kompasbank because the collaboration works so well. We experience a level of flexibility and responsiveness that gives us real peace of mind,” says Hansen.

A full-service forestry partner – with ambitious goals

Over the past few years, Skovtroldens Udkørsel has strengthened its position as a full-service provider within forestry. Today, the company offers everything a forest owner needs – from tree felling and extraction to timber purchasing and replanting. Agreements with several estates and private forest owners have contributed to the company’s growth, and the expanded fleet makes it possible to deliver faster and more efficiently.

“Our customers only need to make one call. We handle the entire process,” says Torben Hansen.

Skovtroldens Udkørsel is today a true family business, with the entire Team Hansen playing a central role. Torben’s wife, Gitte, has always handled everything from administrative tasks, APV reports, and finances to tool maintenance and making sure there’s food on the table when the family comes home. She keeps everyday operations running smoothly—both at work and at home—an effort that, according to Torben, is absolutely essential to keeping the wheels turning.

As we discussed last time, the plan for a generational handover remains in place. The couple’s daughter is already part of the company and is expected to take over in the future—but as Torben says with a smile, there’s still plenty of time yet, and retirement is at least ten years away.

To other business owners considering leasing as a financing option, his advice is clear:

“Leasing has given us the opportunity to grow faster and more flexibly than we otherwise could have. I would definitely encourage others to see leasing as a tool for growth,” says Torben Hansen.

*At the end of the latest financial period 2024/2025.