With approximately 800 employees, Vincorion is a mid-sized enterprise active in the fields of defense technology and civil and military aviation that specializes in innovative and sustainable solutions. These include, among other products, the GTD chaser weapon stabilization system, which is used in modern main battle tanks such as the Leopard 2, and the company’s new electric rescue hoist, the ERH premier, which will offer exceptionally high safety standards for air rescue operations.
“Everyone deserves to be safe – that is our vision here at Vincorion,” explained CEO von Mentzingen. “Our mission is to develop technologies that protect people in the most challenging situations and that are also innovative. With the next generation of stabilization systems and rescue hoists that we are presenting here, we are demonstrating truly cutting-edge technology.”
“Schleswig-Holstein has the potential to become a leading location for innovative and future-oriented industries,” said Minister-President Günther during his visit. “Companies like Vincorion are proof that important key technologies are being developed and produced here that both contribute to Germany’s security architecture and create economic stability and jobs.”
Safety a Key Issue
In the field of civil aviation, the company focuses on innovative solutions that prioritize safeguarding the lives of first responders and the people they are rescuing. One example of this is the ERH premier rescue hoist, which has been redesigned with safety as the top priority.
This hoist, for example, is equipped with a sophisticated feature known as backstop shock absorption, which reduces the strain on both the rescuer and the person being rescued in the event of the hoist stopping suddenly. In addition, it offers the ability to cut the cable at the push of a button in an emergency.
The company’s GTD chaser weapon stabilization system is also designed with safety in mind. This system makes it possible for the crew of an armored vehicle such as the new Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 to remain completely inside the well-protected hull, instead of being exposed in the rotating turret. This significantly increases the soldiers’ safety, as recent conflicts have shown that drone attacks are an increasing threat.
Growth and Innovation at the Wedel Site
Vincorion is a growing company that continuously invests in research and development at its location in Wedel. The Wedel site benefits from its proximity to leading universities such as the Wedel University of Applied Sciences and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, both of which Vincorion works with in the areas of research and training.
“Our headquarters in Wedel is a center of innovation that pushes the boundaries of technology,” explained CEO von Mentzingen. “We not only develop products for today’s challenges, but also think about the future at the same time.”
How Government and Industry Work Together
During the visit, the question arose as to what the government could do to support small and medium-sized industrial companies. In this context, von Mentzingen mentioned topics such as improving the predictability of military procurement and accelerating the procurement process. The government could also specifically support medium-sized defense technology companies when awarding military contracts.
At the same time, von Mentzingen emphasized that the industry itself also bears responsibility, for example, by investing in research and development and ramping up production to high volumes when corresponding contracts have been awarded. “The defense industry plays a vital role in national security, and it creates valuable jobs and strengthens technological innovation in Schleswig-Holstein. We will ensure that innovative companies like Vincorion receive the support they need to continue their work,” said Günther.
