Anniversary

Anniversary

Experience since 1947
SKYLOTEC celebrates its 75th company anniversary

We have been taking on challenges for 75 years. Continuously creating improvements and proving that innovative and high-quality products can change our customers' lives is what drives us. In this way, we have been revolutionizing the everyday lives of many people at work and in their leisure time for decades.

This year, we look back on numerous exciting decades. Founded in the post-war period, the company has experienced many turbulent times and passed through numerous transformations. We owe the milestone of our 75th anniversary our highly motivated employees and, above all, our long-term friends, loyal customers and business partners.

Alexander Merl (Managing director) (l.), Dr. Kai Rinklake (CEO) (r)

1947
1952
1982
1983
2000
2001
2002
2003
2005
2006
2008
2009
2010
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

1947

The company is founded by Eduard Kaufmann (Olpe).

 

1952

The company manufactures rescue baskets for mine rescue and safety harnesses for the mining industry.

 

 

1982

Takeover of the Eduard Kaufmann GmbH by Wolfgang Rinklake. Relocation of the company headquarters to Neuwied.
 

 

 

1983

Program expansion to include fall protection products for industry and trade.

 

 

 

2000

Kai Rinklake takes over the management of the company.

 

 

2001

A crisis situation, which was accompanied by personnel layoffs. High investment in sales and development to secure the business.

 

2002

Product launch: rescue and evacuation device MILAN. The company succeeded in entering the wind energy sector, which was the driving force for the entire business development.

 

 

 

2003

ultraMEDIC is managed as an independent company.

 

 

 

2005

Eduard Kaufmann GmbH becomes SKYLOTEC with a new CI. This is a major cultural change, which is also accompanied by the expansion of production and the relocation of the main warehouse and textile production to Plant 2 in Neuwied, Oberbieber.

 

 

 

2006

Takeover of the business unit "Retten + Sichern" ("Rescue + Secure") of mamutec AG. Founding of SKYLOTEC Hungary kft as second production site. Change of strategy to "Made in Europe".

 

 

 

2008

 

SKYLOTEC goes Mountain: mamutec's know-how is used to manufacture its own sports climbing equipment. The first OutDoor trade fair in Friedrichshafen was an immediate success.

 

2009

SKYLOTEC revolutionizes the market of fall arresters on fixed letter with the introduction of the SPEED.

 

 

 

2010

Acquisition of INOBELT GmbH. Founding of the subsidiary SKYLOTEC North America LP. Various product awards: iF Design Award for harness Offshore Masters, German Design Award for PINCHLOCK II, iF Award for SKYRAIL System.

 

 

 

 

 

2012

Opening of the Vertical Rescue College in Neuwied (training, intervention, prevention). Branch office in Australia is opened: SKYLOTEC Australia Pty Ltd Sydney.

 

 

 

 

2013

Opening of the new SKYLOTEC administration building in Neuwied. Expansion of production in Hungary by 1500 m².

 

 

 

2014

Founding of SKYLOTEC TRADING (Beijing) Co Ltd and SKYLOTEC NORDIC AB.

 

 

 

2016

Acquisition of Slovenian company ANTHRON, manufacturer of special hardware and belay devices. Acquisition of the US company DEUS, manufacturer of personal evacuation equipment.

 

 

 

 

2017

The via ferrata set RIDER 3.0 wins the OutDoor Industry Award in GOLD.

 

 

 

2018

Neuwied adds an automated high-bay warehouse to the storage area at its main site.

 

 

 

2019

Award of the INCEPTOR GRX range with iF and German Design Award. Expansion of the production site for permanent systems at the Neuwied location.

 

 

2020

Acquisition of the Swedish company ActSafe, manufacturer for motor-driven rope winches.

 
Entry into rope access technology market with focus product SIRIUS.

 
Market entry into new respiratory protection business. Proactive pandemic response: vaccination campaign, protection and hygiene concept.

 
New service center at the HQ site.

 

 

 

 

2021

Acquisition of Climbing Technology, Europe's largest manufacturer of karabiners/hardware, in order to achieve independence from the Asian market, commitment to the European location.

 

 

 

2022

Completion of the product range for tactical access technology for law enforcement agencies and armed forces through the acquisition of air-launcher and ladder systems from TAGS Group BV.

 

Looking back at the anniversary celebration

SKYLOTEC as the host of this years “Reception of Economy” of the district Neuwied
04. May 2022

Progress and growth are always connected to change. The history of SKYLOTEC is a prime example of that. Founded 1947 as an individual company, SKYLOTEC has lived through eventful times and transformed multiple times.

On the occasion of their 75-year anniversary, SKYLOTEC hosted the economy of the district Neuwied. The organizing team, consisting of the IHK, WFG, Kreishandwerkerschaft, HWK, Süwag, Sparkasse and the Rhein-Zeitung, were happy about the 250 guests coming from the economy and politic, which followed the invitation.

An informative, exciting and partly emotional program formed the framework of a social exchange in festive atmosphere. 

SKYLOTEC celebrates their 75-year anniversary with long-time companions, customers, suppliers and business partners
05. May 2022

To reach the milestone like a 75-year existence, you not only need committed employees but also many loyal companions.

Following this credo, SKYLOTEC was pleased to welcome many guests from the immediate region, but also from all over Germany and neighbouring countries.

The festive ambient and familiar atmosphere invited, around the official program, to social exchange and loose finish with music and dance.

SKYLOTEC opens their doors for the interested public, family members, friends and neighbours
06. May 2022

Around 300 employees are working at SKYLOTEC’s current headquarters in Neuwied. As part of the anniversary celebrations SKYLOTEC allows family member, friends and the interested public an exclusive view behind the scenes. Besides the history exhibits, the production in Neuwied and the Vertical Rescue College have been able to be visited. The small guests could show their skills afterwards with box stacking or let off steam to their heart’s content on the bouncy castle.

The big finale of the event days around the anniversary was the employee party. Late into the night people celebrated and danced. Besides program points like the presentation of the anniversary movie, the award ceremony for the “Costume Award” or “Beat the Boss”, there were some emotional highlights to experience.

PRESS RELEASES / PUBLICATIONS ABOUT THE ANNIVERSARY

06.05.2022Ein Abend voller Emotionen
05.05.2022Wirtschaft trifft sich
11.04.2022Skylotec richtet Wirtschaftsempfang im Kreis Neuwied aus
19.11.2021IHK-Regionalgeschäftsstelle Neuwied – Empfang der Wirtschaft 2022

ANNIVERSARY MOVIE / SKYLOTEC - 75 YEARS WITH HIGHS AND LOWS