Vaude takes over Edelrid

Two successful companies, both with headquarters and production facilities in Germany, having reached a highly-established position on the world market through the launching of a number of cutting-edge innovations, will now join forces: VAUDE has recently acquired the company Edelrid (Edelmann + Ridder GmbH & Co. KG). Edelrid first made a name for itself as a manufacturer of high quality cordage for mountain sports, technical industry and operational safety. Albrecht von Dewitz, VAUDE’s CEO, explains, “The Company Edelrid allows us to expand our product portfolio even further, substantiating our position as the leading outfitter for mountain sports equipment.” VAUDE places great value on maintaining the brand Edelrid, as well as the companies location in Isny, in southern Germany, with nearly 100 employees working there.
The two companies, VAUDE and Edelrid, are located close to each other and are joined by far more than just their proximity. Edelrid, the specialist for climbing equipment, specifically manufacturing ropes and climbing harnesses, further rounds out VAUDE’s product pallet, which comprises performance clothing, tents, backpacks, climbing hardware, and cooking and hydration systems. The success of both businesses is solidly based on an outstanding pioneering and innovative spirit that continually sets new standards for the entire outdoor industry. In order to ensure that this spirit continues to thrive in the future as well, VAUDE will work closely together with the strong management team positioned around Martin Korte, Managing Director, and Markus Wanner, Assistant Vice President; A successful group that will also continue to manage the VAUDE daughter, Edelrid.
Julius Edelmann and Carl Ridder first founded the cord and lace company Edelmann + Ridder, in 1863 in Isny, in the Allgäu region of southern Germany. Today it is the eldest technical mountaineering rope manufacturer in Europe. In the 1950’s Edelrid developed the Kernmantel rope construction that is still being used to this very day in the production of most alpine ropes. The first climbing harnesses were also invented in Isny and led to the development of modern climbing harness system. Edelrid’s specialized products meet highest demands in many other technical sectors as well, including medical and space technology as well as other industrial segments.
Since its establishment in 1974, VAUDE has quickly grown into one of Europe’s leading outfitters in mountain sports and outdoor equipment. VAUDE has provided trend-setting impulses to the market with numerous innovative technical solutions including revolutionary tent and backpack constructions, as well as the development of highly technical materials for performance apparel. Edelrid takes its position as the fourth strong brand name in the VAUDE Group, alongside VAUDE, Lucky (manufacturer of climbing hardware) and Markill (specialist for cooking and hydration systems).
Both VAUDE and Edelrid are well known for their dedicated commitment to Standort Germany as an investment and industrial location. VAUDE employs a continually growing team of 220 people at this time in Tettnang, located in southern Germany and the same site where one of their product segments is still entirely produced: the high frequency welded, waterproof VAUDE Bike Panniers. Edelrid manufactures the largest share of their product range directly in Isny, starting from the first production step all the way to the finished product. Another strong tie joining VAUDE and Edelrid, are their traditions as family businesses. As one of the few individual businesses within the industry to have resisted the trend to concentrate, VAUDE still belongs to the family von Dewitz. An enduring sense of responsibility for their employees is deeply instilled in both companies, and one VAUDE has put into practice by setting up their own company child care centre. Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE’s Marketing Manager, states, “We’re looking forward to developing the existing synergies, and, together with Edelrid, to continue generating innovative developments – Made in Germany – keeping the climbing market moving right along”.