The family-owned company SKYLOTEC takes over “Climbing Technology” from Italy, the largest European manufacturer of carabiners.
“Climbing Technology” is known worldwide in alpine mountaineering, sport climbing and working at heights. With the integration of the two associated production companies, Aludesign and Securit, SKYLOTEC is expanding its expertise and manufacturing competencies even further. With this, SKYLOTEC is creating its own production capacities and shortening its supply chains. This enhances supply security in the interest of customers, especially in the context of current global economic developments and bottlenecks.
“Senior boss Wolfgang Rinklake and Managing Director Dr. Kai Rinklake from SKYLOTEC have been working together with Aludesign founder Carlo Paglioli (from left) for years. Now they formed an official alliance. Management consultant Walter Remy (right) helped to build the business relationship back in the years.“
With the acquisition of Aludesign and Securit, SKYLOTEC – one of the world's leading brands for personal protective equipment – continues its growth course. Thus, for future product development and in the area of manufacturing new possibilities are opened up. Founded in 1986, the aluminium forge Aludesign from Italy as well as the anodising and assembly plant Securit in Romania are primarily known for the products of their own brand “Climbing Technology”. Users rely on both in alpine mountaineering, sport climbing and in the field of industrial work at height. Since 2008, SKYLOTEC has been active in alpine mountaineering and sport climbing and brings several years of experience in the field of rope-based access. With the acquisition of the Swedish manufacturer ActSafe, the family-owned company also became the market leader for powered rope access in 2019. The strategic acquisition of “Climbing Technology”, which has now taken place, further expands the expertise in these areas.
„SKYLOTEC has been purchasing products from 'Climbing Technology' for the sports sector and industrial work at height for many years.”
With around 110 employees at each of the Aludesign sites in Italy and Securit in Deva, Romania, the number of SKYLOTEC production sites grows to a total of seven. Additionally, in the following years the new locations in Italy and Romania will be further expanded as a strong part of the company group.
Quality philosophy that connects
SKYLOTEC and “Climbing Technology” have a long history. More than 25 years ago, Wolfgang Rinklake, who handed over the management of SKYLOTEC to his son Dr. Kai Rinklake in 2000, established a partnership and was the first customer of Aludesign founder Carlo Paglioli. “With the takeover, there is more potential together than separately. SKYLOTEC is growing, Aludesign and Securit too. Therefore, the optimal time to join forces is now. We are pleased to be able to expand our product range in the field of sports and rope-based access with the ‘Climbing Technology’ brand, as well as our know-how in the production of karabiners,” announces Dr. Kai Rinklake. In addition, both companies are connected through a shared philosophy of quality. “Every day we work on solutions that lead to more safety for people. That is why we have high quality standards not only in terms of safety, but also for criteria such as ergonomics and wearing comfort,” according to Rinklake. The brand “Climbing Technology” also stands for equipment that combines safety, functionality and a user-friendly application. Carlo Paglioli, who has been involved in building the brand from day one, is handing over his life's work. “I am happy to be able to hand over ‘Climbing Technology' into good hands. The brand still has great potential that will continue to grow through SKYLOTEC,” says the Aludesign founder.
„.SKYLOTEC senior boss Wolfgang Rinklake (left) and Aludesign founder Carlo Paglioli appreciated each other on a professional level for over 25 years.“
In addition, the takeover shows SKYLOTEC’s commitment to Europe as a location. With this it becomes less dependent on supply chains from the Far East. The Corona pandemic has shown that long supply chains are vulnerable for any kind of problems. Moreover, the costs of materials and logistics as well as delivery times have increased significantly. “We are counteracting this by investing in the European location, thus increasing the security of supply for our customers in the long term,” declares Rinklake.