STAR International accelerates growth in Germany and Sweden

The European market for energy, infrastructure, and industry is on the verge of major transformation. Largescale investments in energy networks, sustainable industry, and infrastructure projects are creating a structural demand for specialised technical expertise. For STAR International, this forms the foundation of a clear growth strategy, with Germany and Sweden as key markets.

STAR International provides technical specialists for complex projects across sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, high tech, and life sciences. These include experts in Project Management & Controls, Safety & Environmental Coordination, and Construction Supervision, who are immediately deployable in critical projects. We currently support more than 70 ongoing projects in Germany and Sweden. 

Under the leadership of CEO Lars Bakker, STAR International is focused on controlled, organic growth.
“We consciously choose the sectors and regions where STAR’s specialists can truly make a difference,” says Lars.

Germany as a driver of growth 

Germany is the largest and most important market for STAR International. The scale and duration of energy and infrastructure projects make the country one of the most dynamic markets in Europe. Over the next six years, more than €350 billion will be invested in expanding and modernising the electricity and gas networks. These investments are primarily led by grid operators and public entities and focus on grid reinforcement, expansion of the high-voltage network, and the integration of renewable energy sources. These large-scale, long-term projects require technical specialists who are immediately deployable and experienced in complex project environments. Lars explains: “The challenge of the energy transition in Germany is enormous. It requires highly specialised knowledge, reliability, scalability, and continuity. That’s exactly where our strength lies.” 

To support this growth strategy, a strong and well-structured local organisation is essential. With the launch of the new shared service centre in the state-of-the-art office in Essen at the end of 2025, STAR International now has a central support structure for its activities in Germany. From this location, more than 20 employees currently support the organisation with activities including legal, finance, compliance and contract management. This provides clients with speed, certainty and continuity in execution, as contracts can be processed more efficiently and projects can start more quickly. At the same time, our professionals can fully focus on supporting clients and their projects. 

Sweden: opportunities with a longterm perspective 

Alongside Germany, Scandinavia plays an important role in the growth strategy. Sweden in particular offers attractive opportunities due to its ambitious sustainability targets, a well-developed infrastructure, and innovative industrial projects. The country combines a relatively small population with a large geographical area, resulting in a significant infrastructure needs, particularly within the power sector.  

Combined with a strong focus on sustainable industries, such as steel and paper, this creates clear growth opportunities for STAR International. At the same time, this market requires a thoughtful, phased approach, Lars explains. “In Scandinavia, it’s about building, planting seeds, and investing in relationships. The opportunities are significant, but growth here takes time and an understanding of the local context. That foundation is something we have with Altio.”  

Deliberate choices, clear focus 

A key principle in STAR International’s strategy is focus. By making clear choices in markets and sectors, the company is building a sustainable position. Under Lars’ leadership, the emphasis is on sustainable, organic growth, focusing not only by expanding the number of projects and professionals, but also on strengthening long-term client relationships and further developing the local organisation through the new shared service centre.  

“Our ambition is to grow step by step,” concludes Lars. “Growth in our key markets Germany and Sweden requires local presence as well as well-structured processes. By organising supporting functions centrally while remaining close to the market, we create control, scalability and continuity. With a strong local foundation, professional support, and focus on quality, we are building a sustainable future for STAR International.”