Safety in the vertical even in the snow: The inventor of the ABS avalanche backpack becomes part of the EDELRID group of companies

With the takeover of the Munich company, the EDELRID Group is expanding its range of personal protective equipment (PPE) for winter sports. Both companies see the bundling of competencies in the development and production of high-quality mountain sports products as a strategic expansion of market opportunities and the safety of mountain athletes. From September 1, 2022, the company will operate as ABS Sports + Protection GmbH & Co.KG in association with EDELRID and Vaude Vietnam as the manufacturer of ABS avalanche backpacks.

With the two brands EDELRID and ABS, two long-standing, southern German manufacturers with similar product understanding and affinity for developments in mountain sports come together. “At the heart of what we do is safety and the joy of vertical movement. This orientation unites us with ABS. That’s why I’m particularly pleased to be able to work together to generate even more knowledge and innovations for mountain sports of the future,” says Vitus Wuhrer, EDELRID management and son of Albrecht von Dewitz. The future connection to EDELRID will make it possible to use synergies within the established, international sales network in the area of ​​protective equipment for mountain sports.

“As the inventor of the avalanche backpack, we have been following the mission of making winter sports safer since our founding. Having EDELRID as an established sister company at our side gives us new market access with the same goals for our development,” says Andreas Balk, who will head the operational business at ABS in the future.

The ABS avalanche backpacks are manufactured by Vaude Vietnam Co., Ltd. instead of. Albrecht von Dewitz, managing director and founder of the production facility, sees the takeover as strengthening the company group. “For me it is a logical consequence to combine the strengths of all three companies. With Vaude Vietnam we have a long-standing, well-rehearsed team. We are close to the manufacturing processes, so that we can ensure product quality for our users on the one hand and the ability to deliver in the global sales network on the other,” says Albrecht von Dewitz.

Since its founding in 1863, EDELRID GmbH & Co.KG has developed into one of the leading production companies for ropes, climbing equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Since it was taken over by Albrecht von Dewitz in 2006, the company has been characterized by a high level of innovation and sustainability. EDELRID not only developed the first kernmantel rope, but also brought the first bluesign® certified ropes onto the market. All product development takes place in Isny ​​im Allgäu, where 60 percent of all products (especially all ropes) are produced. This guarantees both the exceptional quality and functionality that EDELRID users worldwide appreciate, as well as lasting innovation. The renowned climbing shoe brand Red Chili has been part of EDELRID's product portfolio since 2017.