International. Intersam celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021. The company, which was born as a specialist in heat exchangers, and now sells different solutions and equipment for industrial and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, was born in 1995 when a Juan Sánchez, an experienced engineer in the sector of thermal exchangers, ventured to found a family business with his sons, Roberto and Jesus.
The company initially focused on the manufacture of batteries for air conditioning. To develop the activity he rented a warehouse of just 500 square meters, and bought second-hand machinery thanks to the network of contacts acquired in his previous career. These contacts, who ended up being friends, not only helped him to get such machinery, but also began to pass on the first orders from Intersam. Thus was born the first intersam factory, with Juan and his two sons as the only workers of the same.
Evolution and growth of the company
Three years later, in 1997, Juan observed how customers highly valued the thermodynamic calculations that, in the case of Intersam, Juan Sánchez did, helped by his experience as an engineer and different sheets of canculum. Considering the agility in these calculations that the moment demanded, and that the first programs capable of carrying out these tasks began to develop, there was no doubt. Intersam hired a computer company that developed its own calculation software for Intersam, allowing them to streamline the process.
1998 was a year of growth for this family business. The workforce increased, new positions were created in the factory, and both Juan and his sons began to focus on administrative tasks.
This year also saw a growth in the diversity of products manufactured by Intersam, including the manufacture of the first range of evaporators and condensers in the history of this company.
A year later, it was decided to invest in a warehouse with greater capacity, which would allow the development of the new range of products.
First contact with the international market
Roberto begins to emphasize the importance of marketing to publicize the company. A commercial department led by him is created, and a strategy is proposed to show the world that Intersam is a small company, but with great possibilities within the sector. The first step was to participate as exhibitors in the Madrid Air Conditioning Fair in 1999.
A small stand and a few batteries as a sample were enough to make themselves known to the crowd of attendees from all over the world.
It can be said that it was here, at the 1999 fair, when Intersam took the first strategic step towards the international market.
Evolution at all levels and overcoming challenges
During the following years the company continued to invest in Research and Development to continue advancing and adapting its products to the new needs of the client. The company also experienced a growth of personnel, not only in the factory, the administrative tasks grew, and it was reinforced with administrative personnel.
In addition, personnel were hired to carry out the quality control of the products, so that they met the highest standards of the customers.
In order not to get stuck in the world of air conditioners, the company decides to diversify and manufacture other types of products. A new 1/2" production line is also created, which accompanies those that already existed, the 3/8" and 5/8" lines.
Continuing with the new hires, a production manager is incorporated into the workforce, to develop the entire range of cold, and the first Intersam commercial, with the intention and clear objective of starting to sell outside of Spain.
After so much work and effort focused on the growth of the company, Intersam was able to reap the rewards, being in 2004 when Intersam made the first international direct sale in Morocco.
During 2005, the increase in orders at Intersam forced to reduce production times and costs. Until that time the company was helped by external suppliers, but this year, it was decided to change the structure. New machinery was invested and the sheet metal section was created, thus eliminating the need for external companies.
In 2007 the company grows logistically. The three warehouses where the factory is currently located were purchased, but it was not until 2015 when they were transformed into what is now Intersam.
During the economic crisis of 2008, Intersam was able to support itself thanks to its youth, its good management and the desire to get ahead. In addition, it was already a very competitive company in its sector, and its customers placed great trust in it.
Intersam's international expansion begins
Shortly after, the idea of signing international agreements for companies from other countries to distribute the equipment manufactured by Intersam exclusively begins to be raised, without the need to have a physical headquarters. It is in 2009 when an agreement is signed with a Norwegian company, becoming the first distributor of Intersam outside of Spain.
Also in 2009, an important agreement was signed with BRONZ-GLOW, an American company dedicated to corrosion coatings. This agreement meant that Intersam became the only certified applicator of this product in Spain. The incorporation of this coating meant an increase in the durability of the equipment in corrosive environments.
During the following years the company continued with the international expansion participating in international fairs outside Spain, and beginning to have an important presence in the Latin American market. In addition, Intersam acquired a multi-tubular manufacturing company and also began marketing it.
Intersam continues to invest in growth and makes the leap to the digital world
One of the main characteristics of Intersam is its constant adaptation to the market and the needs of customers. Therefore, when the company realized that its thermodynamic calculation software needed to be modernized for the cold range, Intersam did not hesitate. In 2013 the company acquired the international software UNILAB to provide its customers with a tremendously useful calculation, design and selection tool.
A year later, the first laser cutting machine arrives at Intersam. This machine was a before and after for the company, as it is possible to make an important leap in the development and quality of Intersam products, also improving production times.
During 2016 Intersam continues to update its resources by purchasing 3D software, continues to increase its presence in Latin America and begins to manufacture a new range of capacitors, in addition to its own range of air conditioners, which until now partially produced.
The following year Intersam enters the digital world and decides to create a design department to eliminate the outsourced process of printing. From this department the corporate image was updated and a new range of brochures was created.
In 2020 the coronavirus that stopped the world was unleashed.
During this year Intersam maintains its commitment to quality by readapting air treatment filters in its equipment in accordance with Covid-19 measures.
Also in 2020, more importance was given to the digital presence of the company. The company's website was updated and product brochures and manuals were digitized to bring them to the world.
Intersam today
Currently, Intersam is composed of a staff of 50 workers and has its own teams practically all over the world.
The company's objectives are to continue growing both nationally and internationally, and to continue investing in R&D to break through in new markets and new products. Without losing sight of the focus of the sustainability of the planet, always committed to the environment.
Intersam works together with its clients and offers them customized solutions to their needs. Throughout all these years, versatility, professionalism and reliability have been demonstrated at all times and throughout the planet. With a wide range of products, all your equipment can be adapted, attending to the particular needs of each client.
Intersam's commitment and trust is reflected in every step it has taken throughout its history.
