Léonard FORESTIER, National Winner of the EY 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
A family business for four generations.
Founded in 1907, Petit Forestier Group is now the European leader in the rental of refrigeration solutions. The company has developed an integrated model that covers the entire value chain: from design and assembly to rental, resale, and recycling of its refrigeration assets. Today, Petit Forestier Group manages a fleet of over 80,000 refrigerated vehicles, 50,000 refrigerated units, and 6,000 containers, spread across 24 countries on 4 continents. In 2023, the Group achieved a turnover of more than one billion euros.
Léonard FORESTIER continues this family adventure, which began over 117 years ago on the outskirts of Paris. “This award reflects a collective effort, and I dedicate it to all the teams at Petit Forestier Group. It demonstrates our ability to evolve in a demanding sector. It rewards our family’s entrepreneurial history and our pioneering role in sustainable development and energy transition," he said at the end of the ceremony.
Sustainable development, energy transition, and connected fleet.
Petit Forestier Group has taken significant steps to support its clients in the energy transition and reduce its environmental footprint. For over 10 years, the Group has been investing in alternative and sustainable energy refrigerated vehicles.
Since 2022, this commitment has accelerated with an ambitious energy transition plan: today, more than 90% of vehicles are compatible with biofuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or B100, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2030. Currently, electric vehicles represent 4% of annual orders, reflecting growing client demand for alternative energy solutions.
In 2024, the refrigeration unit fleet is also being gradually redesigned to achieve energy savings of 60% to 80%. These units are sealed and equipped with more sustainable refrigerant gases, addressing environmental challenges while optimizing energy performance.
At the same time, Petit Forestier Group’s asset fleet generates a significant amount of real-time data, particularly on refrigeration. The use of this data enables the development of solutions that optimize asset management through predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring. By providing clients with data, Petit Forestier Group helps them measure their carbon footprint and engage in their energy transition. Each collaboration offers the opportunity to create more sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
Concrete actions to reduce its carbon footprint.
AAs the European leader with a strategy focused on energy transition and sustainable development, Petit Forestier Group is committed to concrete actions to reduce its carbon footprint.
Since 2018, Petit Forestier Group has been cleaning, recycling, and reusing refrigerants. As a result, 40 tons of refrigerants have been recycled, preventing the emission of 19,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
The Group has also implemented enhanced waste sorting policies, covering regular waste as well as technical and chemical waste. This approach aims to optimize resource management and reduce its environmental impact.
Petit Forestier Group also invests in renovating and constructing more energy-efficient branches. In 2023, 6,311 square meters of photovoltaic panels were installed, promoting the use of renewable energy.
Lastly, the Group continues to roll out its energy-saving plan, which includes installing motion detectors, reducing office heating, and equipping all sites with LED lighting.
Combining its expertise in refrigeration with its investment in more sustainable solutions, the Group sets itself apart in the market, striving to become the global leader in sustainable refrigeration rental.
About Petit Forestier Group
A family business for over 117 years, Petit Forestier Group is driven by passionate men and women united by a common mission: "Together, let’s improve quality of life through Cold expertise." Present in more than 24 countries, the Group mobilizes 5,800 talents daily to serve the refrigeration industry. Through its activities, Petit Forestier Group ensures the preservation of food, medical products, and any other goods whose quality and durability depend on the cold chain. Its expertise covers the entire chain, from the design and assembly of refrigerated boxes on vehicles to the rental of products and services (vehicles and containers), as well as the resale and recycling of spare parts. An additional offer of dry vehicle rental meets the challenges of operational continuity. Close to its clients, the Group encourages teamwork and agility, creating a supportive environment where every profession has a purpose in improving quality of life through Cold expertise.