The acquisition of a Slovenian manufacturer of descent devices in May 2016 opened new horizons to SKYLOTEC. Now, SKYLOTEC expands its rescue device product range and acquires the assets and intellectual properties of the DEUS Rescue descent device range.

With its rescue device “Milan“, SKYLOTEC is already a market leader for devices with centrifugal brake systems. Milan rescue devices are stored in elevated workplaces for immediate emergency use. The centrifugal brake system avoids free falls and provides a safe and secure automatic controlled descend speed to lower levels.

In the past years, the SKYLOTEC Milan has strengthened its status as the standard rescue device in several industries, including the wind energy industry. In such applications, the Milan is stored in the nacelle in a specific vacuum sealed box and kept ready for use in case of emergency. Two technicians can evacuate from heights simultaneously. The descend length can reach up to 500 meters (1,640 feet).

For many years, the Boulder, CO – USA based company DEUS Rescue has seen significant success in the market for smaller personal rescue units with centrifugal brake systems. In critical situations when fire fighters are in need of fast self-evacuation due to extreme hazardous conditions, DEUS Rescue “Bailout Kits” are available and ready for action. The patented technology of the DEUS descent devices allows for its small and lightweight design. DEUS also produces high-performance devices for permanent use. In training environment for example, these devices can be used as back up devices while trainees use the main rescue units. These devices are currently used at adventure parks as abseil units at the end of ropes and zip line courses.

Self-rescue device product range completed

With this acquisition, SKYLOTEC has acquired the intellectual property of the DEUS devices, vendors’ relations, final production and kit assembly, certifications, and quality control. The products will be distributed across the already existing SKYLOTEC network and be available worldwide.

The acquisition allows SKYLOTEC to expand and complete its product range of rescue devices and strengthen its position as the market leader of rescue devices with centrifugal brake systems. SKYLOTEC GmbH, a family owned business based in Neuwied – Germany, will continue to provide new solutions developed for the most different requirements.

“The addition of these small, lightweight automatic controlled descent systems will complement our existing line of rescue descenders and allow SKYLOTEC to expand its customer base throughout the world” added Dr. Kai Rinklake, Managing Director, SKYLOTEC GmbH. 

DEUS Rescue Inc. remains an independent entity and will continue to service industries such as the US fire service, industrial and consumer markets with the products that SKYLOTEC will now produce.

“As a highly specialized provider of a unique product, we were looking for an international partner to expand the market reach for our products. We have found a strong partner in SKYLOTEC that will now continue to develop our technology and produce our products”says Tom Martin, CEO DEUS Rescue.

ABOUT THE COMPANIES

Founded in Neuwied in 1947 SKYLOTEC GmbH belongs to the market leading manufacturers of personal protective equipment against fall and safety systems in sport and industrial applications. Besides a large product range of personal protective equipment, our portfolio also offers consulting, services and expert trainings at our Vertical Rescue College. For this combination of expertise from the industry and the knowledge in mountaineering leads to continuous innovations that users will enjoy – at work or in their free time. SKYLOTEC employs worldwide about 420 employees, with production facilities in Germany, Slovenia, Hungary and offices around the world.

DEUS Rescue Inc. based in Boulder, CO was founded after the terrible terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The aim was to develop descent devices and self-rescue units to quickly evacuate from high-rise buildings. DEUS stands for “Deutschland und USA” (“Germany and USA”), since the descent devices were developed in a strong international cooperation. Since then, engineers, safety experts, firemen, and rock climbers were brought together to search for innovative solutions.