Edelrid

Edelrid looks back on 153 years of eventful company history: In 1863, a merchant and alpinist and a technician with a great knowledge of braiding machines started producing strands and cords: Julius EDELmann and Carl RIDder. Ridder's grandson, Claus Benk, took over the business and, as head of the company, shaped the face of Edelrid for many decades.

Edelrid has been manufacturing a large proportion of its products in Isny in the German Allgaü since 1863. Made in Germany is more than just an indication of origin for Edelrid. Edelrid combines quality and German engineering. The company intends to stick to this concept even in times of ever-increasing globalization. Unlike "Made in Switzerland", there are no binding guidelines for "Made in Germany". At Edelrid, the label means that the majority - 60% - of the value creation takes place in the company's own production facility in Germany. The company has its own ropes and braiding machines, on which the ropes are manufactured, as well as a sewing shop and metal workshop.

However, Edelrid's most important resource is always its employees. Edelrid employs around 150 people and is one of the most modern and largest mountain rope production facilities in the world. Until 1941, three different rope constructions were in use: twisted ropes - mainly made from Italian long hemp, spiral-braided Lützner ropes made from long hemp and rope made from pure natural silk. The first nylon ropes were produced in the USA and France. In 1953, Edelrid revolutionized mountaineering with the first kernmantle rope. This made hemp ropes and the unfortunately frequent accidents caused by rope breaks a thing of the past. We also have Claus Benk to thank for quickdraws and sit harnesses instead of full body harnesses.

In 1963, Edelrid launched the first energy rope, a so-called multi-fall rope. The first dynamic mountain rope as we know it today was born. After a serious accident, Claus Benk had to hand over the management of the company in 1992. Edelrid became part of a large corporation, which went bankrupt a few years later. Edelrid was bought by the German family-run outdoor equipment manufacturer VAUDE, which ensured the company's continued existence. The company carries a wide range of ropes, hardware, climbing harnesses and shoes, helmets, ice equipment, backpacks and clothing, as well as cooking utensils, and sells to over 60 countries worldwide.