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DEKRA was founded in 1925 in Berlin as Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein e.V. (German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association), with the aim of ensuring road safety in response to the rapid development of mobility at that time. Initially, its services focused on providing technical inspections of vehicles, offering advice to its members and producing the first expert reports for courts and insurance companies.

 

Over the years, DEKRA has undergone a remarkable diversification of its services and, in addition to vehicle inspections, has expanded its offering to include areas like industrial inspection, product certification, process safety consultancy, specialised training and cybersecurity services. This evolution has enabled the company to adapt to the changing needs of various industries, establishing itself as a global security and sustainability specialist.

 

With a presence in over 60 countries, DEKRA arrived in Spain in 1992 to offer its services to the automotive industry. It currently has 16 offices in Spain serving various industries, as well as six technical vehicle inspection facilities and a training centre in the Madrid region. At the end of November, it opened a new training centre in Malaga that will not only serve its entire workforce in Spain, but will also collaborate with academic institutions to train future generations.

 

 

How has your presence in Spain evolved since you first arrived?

Since its arrival in Spain in 1992, DEKRA has experienced significant growth, adapting to local market demands and strengthening its presence in multiple regions. This growth has materialised in the opening of 16 offices strategically distributed throughout the country, including key cities such as Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, Tarragona and, soon, the Canary Islands. In addition, the company has established specialised inspection, certification and training centres, enabling it to offer comprehensive and customised solutions to its customers. The truth is that DEKRA's expansion in Spain reflects its commitment to being close to its customers and the most important decision-making centres, a strategy that has facilitated the implementation of its broad international portfolio of services in the Spanish market, reinforcing its position as a strategic ally in the country's technological and sustainable transition. The diversification of its services and its adaptation to the specific needs of each industry have been fundamental in consolidating its leadership in the national market.

 

What role does Spain play in DEKRA's global strategy?

Spain occupies a prominent position in DEKRA's global strategy, ranking among the 10 most dynamic countries for the company. The model for DEKRA Product Testing's activities in Spain, which cover product testing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital solutions, is considered to be a global benchmark, and we will be one of the key players in technical vehicle inspections by 2029. DEKRA Certification has in addition increased its presence in Spain, supporting its customers with their certification needs and adapting to the demands of a constantly evolving market. And not forgetting that in the last three years we have invested massively to assist with the energy transition, particularly in sustainability and green energy, including hydrogen. The fact is that Spain's importance in DEKRA's strategy is due to its economic and technological potential, which makes the country a nerve centre for innovation and development of new services. Spain serves as a laboratory for implementing global strategies and developing innovative solutions that are subsequently replicated in other international markets, strengthening DEKRA's position as a leader in safety, quality and sustainability.

 

What have been your most recent investments in Spain?

In recent years, DEKRA has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Spanish market through significant investments in technology and infrastructure. The company spends between 3 and 4 million euros a year on new technologies (capex), focusing on critical areas like artificial intelligence and digital solutions. In total, DEKRA has invested over 100 million euros in Spain over the past three decades, reflecting its commitment to development and innovation in the country. In this regard, it is important to highlight something that not many people know, which is that DEKRA is one of the few international players that is 100% financially autonomous, something which guarantees clients our total independence in decision-making and, therefore, our impartiality, which is essential for the reputation we have. In addition, the company continues to invest in advanced infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge technology centres, to strengthen its technical capabilities and respond quickly and effectively to the needs of its local and international customers.

 

How many employees do you have in Spain and what are their main profiles?

DEKRA has experienced significant growth in its workforce in Spain in recent years. In the last four years, the company has increased its workforce by 49%, currently reaching over 1,000 professionals in the country. This growth reflects the expansion of its services and the diversification of its operations in the Spanish market. As for the professional profiles at DEKRA Spain, they are diverse and specialised, adapting to the needs of its multiple lines of business. The staff includes engineers, consultants, automotive experts, university-educated managers, as well as specialists in commercial and financial areas. The company prioritises diversity and inclusion, with a management committee that has 50% female representation and, for example, up to 27 different languages are spoken across our teams. In addition, DEKRA continuously invests in specialised training and professional development to maintain high standards of quality and technological leadership in each industry it serves.

 

What are your projections for further growth in Spain?

DEKRA has ambitious plans for growth in Spain, backed by a solid strategic plan for the period 2025-2029. The company forecasts organic growth of over 26%, combined with planned inorganic investments of at least 30 million euros, and with a special focus on strategic industries, such as technical vehicle inspection (TVI), sustainability and energy transition. DEKRA is currently developing two large projects valued at approximately 200 and 700 million euros, which is evidence of a firm commitment to promoting innovative solutions aligned with the country's sustainability and technological progress.

 

Why did you choose Malaga for your new training centre?

The choice of Malaga as the location for the new DEKRA Knowledge Center was, I believe, a natural one, considering the region’s remarkable economic and technological dynamism, which is already known as the new Spanish Silicon Valley. DEKRA has a test centre and multiple laboratories in this city,  in addition to maintaining strategic collaborations with the Andalusia Science Park, local institutions and leading universities. In addition, Malaga's strategic location, its cultural and business attractiveness and its capacity to attract highly qualified talent, both national and international, were determining factors in making this decision.

 

Will it only serve employees in Spain or also employees from other countries?

Our new centre in Malaga has a clear international vocation. It will not only offer training for our staff in Spain, but will also be open to employees from other countries, as well as international customers, partners and suppliers. We will organise regular strategic meetings, specialised workshops, advanced courses and international seminars to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the group. The aim is to promote innovation, boost DEKRA's global competitiveness and generate synergies that allow new business opportunities to be identified and exploited. This approach reinforces our position as a global leader in safety, quality and sustainability.

 

What does the company’s partnership with educational institutions consist of?

At DEKRA, we are committed to corporate social responsibility and to training the talent of the future. We have as a result established strategic partnerships with local and international educational institutions, offering practical training and real job opportunities for students and young professionals. Our aim is to prepare new generations to successfully face technological, economic and sustainability challenges by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and experience between academia and business.

 

^{Photos: DEKRA}