Our mission statement − Strong brand, strong performance
ELA was founded in 1972 by Bernhard and Elisabeth Albers. What began as a few storage containers in the Port of Hamburg has grown into an international company with approximately 1,600 colleagues. Throughout this journey, we have always been guided by a strong culture: how we treat one another, how we make decisions, and how we collaborate with our customers and partners.
With our mission statement, we are now making this strength even more visible. Together, we have described why ELA exists, what defines us, and where we want to be by 2030. Our mission statement provides guidance in our day-to-day work, gives us a clear strategic direction for the future, and shows each of us what to focus on within our own areas of responsibility.
Whether it was the first safe and flexibly configurable containers in 1972, later storage and crew containers, or today’s wide variety of solutions – from offices to schools and daycare centers to specialized applications:
The focus is always on the space our customers need – worldwide.
We create space where people need it. That’s what ELA stands for.
Our values serve as a shared compass for everyone who works at ELA – in Haren and at all our locations worldwide. They describe how we conduct ourselves as a team, how we treat one another, and how we collaborate with customers and partners.
We believe in what we do.
Determined means, in our day-to-day work, providing direction, clearly assigning responsibility, and not leaving decisions open-ended. When working together, responsibilities, tasks, and goals are clearly defined to foster clarity and commitment. Decisive action also means putting the right people in positions of responsibility, placing trust in them, and consistently driving projects forward. Decisions are made boldly, promptly, and transparently, and issues are handled with clarity, speed, and commitment until they are resolved – even when faced with headwinds.
We build relationships.
Connected means, in everyday life, actively shaping relationships and building collaboration on trust, transparency, and reliability. When working together, we seek personal dialogue first before issues escalate. Information is shared transparently across departments and levels to foster understanding, accountability, and collective action. Working as a connected team is also reflected in building customer relationships based on commitment and trust, as well as actively strengthening cohesion within the company through dialogue, interactions, and shared initiatives. Networking is not left to chance but is consciously practiced and nurtured.
We find solutions where others see limits.
Flexibility in everyday life means responding openly to change and finding pragmatic solutions while taking personal responsibility. If processes aren’t effective in a specific situation, we make action-oriented decisions and then review how the process can be meaningfully improved. Acting flexibly also means questioning tried-and-true methods, embracing new ideas, and adapting to changing circumstances. This includes offering support in finding solutions, openly admitting mistakes, and reassessing situations when new insights make it necessary.
We get right to the point.
Straightforward in everyday life means addressing issues clearly, objectively, and in a timely manner. When working together, we speak plainly without getting personal, and feedback is received openly and neutrally. The 48-hour rule helps ensure that issues are brought to the table promptly, rather than being put off or left unaddressed. Acting directly also means not avoiding uncomfortable issues, calling out the “elephant in the room,” and thereby creating clarity. At the same time, directness helps us set clear priorities and keep our focus on what matters most.
With our vision 2030, we are deliberately looking ahead. We want to be recognized worldwide as the first point of contact for mobile space solutions—with a clear stance, reliable quality, and a corporate culture that suits us. Our vision combines growth and responsibility: We ensure sustainable growth, inspire our customers, create transparent and scalable structures, and preserve the values of our family-owned business.
Specifically, we define this through four key objectives:
Our Goal:
We ensure sustainable growth.
We create spaces for living and working, both on land and on the water. We grow with purpose and wisdom, relying on our own strength.
We have a keen sense of tomorrow’s markets and purposefully drive innovation and sustainability.
We work in partnership with customers and suppliers around the world. We speak their language – never without a “Moin.”
Our Goal:
We’ve turned our customers into fans.
Customers trust solutions “made by ELA.” Thanks to our flexibility and quick response, we meet their needs without compromising our principles.
With a strong team, we inspire through reliability and quality.
Every day, we passionately give our best for our customers.
We create holistic interior solutions. Whether in person or online, personalized consultation is our top priority.
See the indicators & areas of action
Our Goal:
We have transparent, efficient, and scalable organizational structures.
We are clearly structured and focused on results. Goals, tasks, and responsibilities are transparent and widely accepted.
With a centralized focus, we empower teams to take on decentralized responsibility, always with the greater good in mind. Thanks to short decision-making paths, we can coordinate quickly and respond flexibly.
We take a process-oriented approach, make data-driven decisions, and ensure everyone is on board. We pool our resources across departments and functions to develop both standard solutions and customized solutions for our customers’ specific needs—all while working hand in hand with mutual understanding.
Our Goal:
As we’ve grown, we’ve retained the character of a family-owned business.
We are a family-owned business that lives by its values.
We encourage people to take the initiative, speak openly, and keep learning. Feedback is an integral part of our culture. We foster an open culture of learning from mistakes.
We put people first and view diversity as an asset. Everyone can contribute their strengths and knows that they are seen, heard, and valued. This inspires confidence – both internally and externally.
Our mission statement is more than just a description – it is the foundation for our daily actions: for how we work together, for the decisions we make, and for the priorities we set every day.
Our mission statement is not a rigid framework. We review it once a year and adjust it as needed. What matters is that we live by it in our daily lives and work together to achieve our goals. We want to embark on this journey together with you – and we’ll transparently share our progress toward our goals at least once a year. Our mission statement applies to all of us. Each and every one of us can help ensure it makes a difference.
Thank you for joining us on this journey and helping ELA move forward day by day.
