Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vitus Wuhrer, the CEO of Edelrid. With a background that spans from climbing enthusiast to leading an esteemed company in the climbing and safety equipment industry, our conversation offered fascinating insights into both Vitus and the company of Edelrid.
Vitus's journey with the company began long before he officially joined. His father acquired Edelrid from the British Rope Company in 2006 when he was just 14. At that point, he was more interested in motocross than business. It wasn’t until university, where he discovered climbing, that he started to appreciate the world of ropes and the potential within Edelrid.
When Vitus discovered climbing, things changed for him. “It shifted my focus from motocross to something more practical and aligned with what Edelrid was doing. This newfound passion led me to take an internship at Edelrid in 2014. From day one, I was hooked by the people and the environment. My education in textile engineering and industrial engineering further solidified my interest and equipped me with the skills needed to contribute significantly to the company.”
After his internship, Vitus worked in various roles within the company, from purchasing to logistics. His mentor, who was also his boss, left the company, which opened up a significant opportunity for him. “I applied, got the position, and over the next few years, I grew with the company, eventually taking on more responsibilities. In 2022, I joined the executive board and soon after became the CEO.”
It sounds like you have really ‘grown’ into the company and learned a lot about the different roles within the company. Can you tell me a little bit more about that period? “Absolutely. Logistics and supply chain management are often the unseen backbone of a company. During COVID, the importance of these functions became starkly evident to me. It was a challenging yet rewarding period that taught me a lot. Ensuring a robust and efficient supply chain is crucial, and it’s an area where I’ve dedicated a lot of effort.”
Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
Edelrid, founded in 1863, has a long history of innovation and excellence. The company has played a significant role in the development of the climbing industry, for example with the invention of the Kernmantle rope in 1953. One of the company's more recent standout innovations is the integration of aramid fibers into their ropes, significantly enhancing cut resistance. This advancement is critical for climbing, offering unprecedented safety and durability.
How do you continue to innovate in such a competitive field? "Innovation is a mindset and at the heart of Edelrid. We pride ourselves on creating products that stand out. Each product is designed with specific user needs in mind, making them unique and effective in their respective categories.”
Your product catalogue contains exceptional products for the rope access, fall arrest and tree care industry. Can you highlight some of Edelrid’s flagship products and their unique selling points?
“Sure, in rope access, our Fuse backup device and Vector harnesses are standout products known for their innovation and comfort. For fall arrest, our Flex harness range focuses on lightweight and user comfort, and next year we will launch our new helmet. This helmet will set a new standard in the industry.
"We have always strived to improve the safety and durability of our products," Vitus noted. "Our Fuse backup device, the Megawatt and Vector and Flex harnesses are just a few examples of our commitment to innovation and user comfort."
"Comfort and simplicity are key factors that we focus on in our product development," explained Vitus. "People who work in harnesses for eight hours a day need something that is both comfortable and functional.”
Edelrid works closely with organizations and clubs like IRATA (International Rope Access Trade Association), FISAT (German Association for Rope Access) and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) to ensure they meet the highest industry standards. These collaborations help Edelrid stay at the forefront of the sector.
"Our long-term success is supported by strong partnerships and collaboration with industry experts," Vitus added. "These relationships help us continuously improve and innovate."
Edelrid also values the feedback from their customers. "We listen carefully to what our customers tell us," said Vitus. "Their feedback is crucial for us to develop products that truly meet their needs and expectations."
Responsibility as a Core Value
Sustainability is a big topic these days. I asked Vitus how Edelrid is addressing this. “Responsibility is a core value for us. We follow the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.”
"We invest heavily in lifecycle assessments to understand and minimize our environmental impact," said Vitus. "Extending the lifespan of our products is one of the most important ways we reduce our environmental footprint."
Edelrid's commitment to sustainability is also evident in their innovative approach to product design. For example, their belay devices incorporate steel reinforcements at points of high abrasion and ropes with aramid fibers, significantly increasing their lifespan.
"We want our products to last as long as possible to reduce waste," Vitus explained. "This approach not only reduces our environmental impact but also delivers greater value to our customers."
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Edelrid remains focused on expanding and improving their product range within their core categories: rope access, fall arrest, and tree care. The company aims to provide a comprehensive package that includes not only high-quality products but also education and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) inspections.
"Our ambition is to not only deliver superior products but also the necessary education and support," Vitus emphasized. "We want to be a one-stop solution for our customers worldwide."
Edelrid is also planning to enhance its presence in the helmet market. "We are underrepresented in the helmet area, but we have a solution coming next year that will give us a strong foothold," Vitus revealed. "With this addition, we will have a complete product range that caters to all aspects of climbing and safety."
Edelrid places great importance on customer engagement and education. Potential customers are encouraged to visit Edelrid's website, connect on social media, and attend Edelrid events or industry trade shows to experience the products firsthand.
"We also provide samples to all our agents and sales partners so that customers can test our products," said Vitus. "This helps them fully appreciate the superior quality and innovative features of our products.”
Conclusion
My conversation with Vitus Wuhrer highlighted Edelrid's ongoing commitment to innovation, responsibility, and customer satisfaction. With a rich legacy of excellence and a future focused on groundbreaking developments, Edelrid remains a trusted name in the climbing and safety equipment industry, dedicated to protecting and empowering professional climbers worldwide.
I would like to thank Edelrid and Vitus Wuhrer for the opportunity to conduct this insightful interview. It was a pleasure to delve into the rich history, innovative advancements, and sustainable practices of Edelrid, guided by Vitus's expertise and passion. Thank you for your time and for allowing us to highlight the incredible work being done at Edelrid.
For more information about Edelrid and their innovative products, visit Edelrid's official website.
