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Protector backpacks combine the functionality of a backpack with the safety of a back protector. We can help clue you in on the most important aspects.
bc on the Road: UVEX Visit
We were at UVEX, one of the most important manufacturers of helmets and cycling eyewear. Here, they really mean it when they say, “Made in Germany”.
UVEX Visit
Most of you should be familiar with the name UVEX when it comes to high-quality but affordable helmets and cycling eyewear. Since the brand has repositioned itself in a new and more modern way and has set itself the goal of blowing a fresh breeze into the market, we wanted to get to the bottom of it: Time for a visit! The big highlight of the visit was certainly going to be the Rise Pro MIPS helmet, which is set to shake up the market as the top model in the road segment. We’ve also made a video about that - but more on that later. First of all, we were curious about the factory, the production processes and the special features of UVEX.
First impression
Our first impression was that in the rather small plant in Obernzell, a lot, basically everything feasible, is realised on site by the company itself. UVEX stands out for keeping as much as possible in its own hands. This has the advantages that the dependence on suppliers is significantly smaller, that the manufacturer can act much more flexibly and quickly in terms of covering the demand and quantities, and that quality control is naturally faster and easier to implement individually for each product. So basically you can find almost all the machines and equipment needed for production on site. The UVEX team has recently seen a strong increase in younger employees, which is of course reflected not only in the processes, but also in the communication and the overall climate. On site, product manager Moritz and brand manager Max took us by the hand and led us through the entire company. Michael and Florian were responsible for the photo and video shoots and I took care of the communication.
The stations of production
We first looked at the raw materials for helmets: the polystyrene granulate (EPS) for producing the shock-absorbing layer and the material for the helmet shell. The granulate is supplied from Austria, so there are no endlessly long distances or complex supply chains. After the raw material, the next step is the production: the production of the shell, the filling and forming of the granulate and finally the assembly of the small parts such as the adjustment system and straps. The latter is even partly done at home at UVEX; very progressive and employee-friendly. Finally, we took a look at the company's own test laboratory, where the helmets can be tested for all certification marks (CE/ASTM/US/AUS as well as ski and equestrian sports approval). Prototypes are also tested here before it is decided whether they will enter mass production, because the helmet design also has a significant influence on the achievable protection effect.
The flagship: the Rise Pro MIPS
The aforementioned Rise Pro MIPS helmet, the top model in the road bike collection, was then naturally taken as a production example. It is currently the symbol of the new era at UVEX, which is characterised by combining modern, fresh designs with outstanding quality and function. Apart from the fresh design, the helmet is lighter than its predecessor and features the new MIPS Air Node System, which mitigates the rotational forces on the head in the event of a crash and can thus effectively prevent hyperextension of the cervical spine. A very useful feature that every high-quality helmet should have.
Overall impression
What excited me the most was being able to watch the complete production of a helmet "from scratch", i.e. from the raw materials to the finished, wearable helmet, live. The production speed here was particularly impressive: A complete helmet was created within 15-30 minutes. There are at least 15 different stations in total where the helmet is worked on. The atmosphere on site was super relaxed, all the people there in a good mood and very interested in showing us everything and explaining it all in detail. I could tell that the employees are really motivated and want to take the division forward with their products.
My conclusion
In summary, I can say that the UVEX visit was very informative and interesting for me, so I would like to share this information with you via this channel. The brand has repositioned itself and undergone a kind of rejuvenation. I have been observing this development since Eurobike 2022 and found it very positive. Many helmets are manufactured directly and completely on site in Obernzell; you very rarely see that in this sector. In addition, professional athletes, but also young talents and especially female cyclists are strongly supported. The most prominent representatives here are the Intermarché Circus Wanty Team, Maxx Solar Rose Women Racing and the Vermarc Hoebike Team. So, girls and boys: Good luck in the future and here's to good cooperation!
