Focus Germany

In the first issue of “Focus on Germany”, we take a look at the latest news from a number of German companies, including anniversaries celebrated, new production facilities inaugurated, partnerships established and new positions filled.

The debate surrounding the planned tightening of gun laws by the German government has been a concern for the industry for months. The recent incidents in Frankfurt and Solingen, in which weapons were used that are already banned under existing German gun laws, clearly show that it is not new laws that are lacking, but their consistent implementation. Our politicians now seem to realize that further tightening of gun laws will not solve the problems, but rather unnecessarily restrict law-abiding gun owners. Nevertheless, the German government's new security package also aims to tighten gun laws, among other things.

AKAH - Updates to personnel and product range

AKAH is starting the second half of 2024 with a number of exciting changes. There are not only personnel changes in warehouse logistics, but also interesting additions to the product range. Tim Mertel took over as Head of Warehouse Logistics at AKAH on July 1, 2024. He is a true AKAH native and brings extensive experience from his many years at the company. His career began in 2007 with an apprenticeship as a wholesale and foreign trade merchant at AKAH. His commitment and expertise have enabled him to develop continuously: First as dispatch manager and then as deputy warehouse manager. He is now responsible for all warehouse logistics.

Tim Mertens is supported by Daniel Späinghaus, who joined the team as Deputy Warehouse Manager on August 1, 2024. He has particular expertise in process optimization and will make a significant contribution to further increasing efficiency in warehouse logistics. With his experience and fresh perspective, Daniel Späinghaus is sure to provide valuable impetus.

There is also exciting news in the product range. AKAH has added the PARD brand to its range, which is best known for its night vision devices. AKAH is now bringing the entire PARD range, including innovative (monocular) thermal imaging devices such as the Leopard and the Predator, to the German hunting market.

AKAH has also added the 1a-ORIGITAR brand, which specializes in decoys, to its range. This brand expands the range for hunters looking for effective decoys.

Other new brands at AKAH are the lure supplier 1a-ORIGITAR, the French manufacturer Rouchette with elegant rubber boots, ankle boots and all-purpose clocks as well as the Berger brand bullets.

DER Waidmann - the new all-hunting specialist store

The new all-hunting specialist store DER Waidmann opens in Ehrenberg/Wüstensachsen in mid-September 2024. The store is located in the border triangle of Hessen, Thuringia and Bavaria and is run by Frederik Lander and Finn Seiler. Both founders share a passion for hunting and have extensive experience. The location at the foot of the Wasserkuppe was chosen to appeal to hunters from the region and to offer them a wide selection of hunting equipment and expert advice. The range includes high-quality hunting weapons and equipment. In addition, a virtual shooting cinema will soon be available and various seminars are planned, aimed at both young and experienced hunters. With the new opening, the operators also want to gain a long-term foothold in the region and build close relationships with local hunting clubs.

Two owners of the new retail store Der Waidmann present their store — Frederik Lander (left) and Finn Seiler are looking forward to welcoming customers to their new all-hunting specialist store DER Waidmann.

From universal schnapps to magic tricks: Ballistol celebrates twice and three times!

Ballistol GmbH recently celebrated an impressive double anniversary: 120 years of Ballistol Universal Oil and 150 years of F.W. Klever GmbH. The celebrations took place over two days and were aimed at employees and business partners.

On the first day, the focus was on the employees. They were honored with a celebration at which District Administrator Peter Dreier and Aham Mayor Jens Herrnreiter, among others, emphasized the importance of Ballistol for the region. As a thank you, the employees received a limited edition anniversary wooden box and a nostalgic bottle printed with their names, which did not contain Ballistol Universal Oil, but the specially created “Universal Schnapps”.

The second day was dedicated to international business partners. Guests from all over the world, including the USA, Paraguay and of course Germany, were welcomed to Aham.

were received in Aham. Highlights included a tour of the production facilities and a festive dinner. In addition to delicious food, the guests enjoyed performances by the folk costume association and magic by Korbinian Mifka. Ballistol was delighted with the successful events and thanked all participants.

Collage of four photos with people at the company anniversary of Ballistol GmbH — Ballistol celebrates company jubilee with a big get together.

CZ goes full throttle: More firepower from Hungary for the whole world!

Colt CZ Group is pleased to announce the expansion of its production capacity with the Colt CZ Hungary plant. Established in 2018 as a joint project with the Hungarian government, this modern firearms plant will enable the Group to strengthen its global presence and meet the increased demand for CZ models for the commercial market, armed forces and security forces. With the full production start in Colt CZ Hungary, the Group takes full control of the production processes, which are supervised by specialists from the CZ team. These experts are recognized worldwide for their high quality in design and production.

The Hungarian plant will not only produce military models for the Hungarian armed forces, but also handguns for export worldwide. Thanks to significant investments and state-of-the-art technologies, such as automated turning and milling centers and advanced surface treatment, the plant offers the highest quality and reliability. The weapons manufactured in Hungary stand for the same outstanding quality and shooting comfort that users worldwide expect from the CZ brand.

Pistol from the manufacturer CZ — pistol from CZ

Leica Camera AG: Reinforcement in the management of Sport Optics

With Johannes Fürst, the management of Leica Camera AG's Sport Optics division has now been fully staffed since August 1, 2024. Together with the Global Director, Benjamin Wallbott, and the Global Head of Sales, Marvin Fridriszik, Fürst forms the management team of Leica Sport Optics and is responsible for Global Marketing & Communications.

With his many years of experience in international marketing, Johannes Fürst brings valuable expertise for the expansion of new business areas and sales channels.

Fürst studied business administration and then worked for over 15 years in marketing and sales for various major brand manufacturers, including the Dr. Oetker Group. Most recently, he spent almost nine years at ZEISS Consumer Products as Head of Marketing CEU & EEU.

As a hunting license holder with almost 20 years of experience and a preference for mountain hunting, Johannes Fürst understands the requirements of the target group and will be instrumental in driving the further development of the Leica Sport Optics brand.

New personell for Leica Sport Optics AG — Oliver Zehme, Vice President Global Vision Optics, Johannes Fürst Head of Global Marketing & Communication Leica Camera AG SO, Benjamin Wallbott, Director Leica Camera AG SO

Umarex and Hawke join forces: Now there's a complete package for target optics!

Umarex has taken over the exclusive brand representation for Hawke optical products in Germany as of September 1, 2024. This means that customers in Germany now have access to the entire Hawke range, which is available directly from stock. The range includes high-quality riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, red dot sights and laser rangefinders. With Umarex taking over the agency, not only sales but also after-sales service, including warranty and service cases, will be handled directly.

Umarex offers specialist retailers an easy way to register as a specialist retailer and gain access to high-quality optical products and services.

Hawke Optik | Hawke binoculars lying on a windowsill — Now on sale at UMAREX in germany: Binocular from Hawke Optics

75 years of VDB: A strong partner for the firearms trade and shooting sports

The German Gunsmiths' and Gun Dealers' Association (VDB) celebrated its 75th anniversary at the IWA OutdoorClassics 2024 and proudly looked back on its history. The anniversary IWA, which the VDB co-founded 50 years ago, was a fitting celebration. Since it was founded, the association has been campaigning for legislators to take targeted action against the misuse of weapons rather than their use for sporting and hunting purposes. With the “Next Guneration” campaign, the VDB has successfully drawn attention to the complexity of German firearms legislation and significantly increased the number of its supporting members.

The VDB is also currently fighting against planned tightening of gun laws through active lobbying and cooperation and is campaigning for fair treatment of its members. With initiatives such as “Politik - treffsicher!”, the founding of the Airsoft & Paintball expert committee and new committees such as the associations' alliance against knife bans, as well as the open letter of August 27, 2024 to Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser following the attack in Solingen, the VDB shows that it is prepared to take things seriously - always in the service of its members and their interests.

Guns, guests and a gigantic birthday cake - Weihrauch celebrates its 125th anniversary

Weihrauch & Weihrauch Sport celebrated its big anniversary with great fanfare! Over 100 international guests came together at the IWA Outdoor Classics in Nuremberg to honor this milestone. In addition to prominent guests such as Hubert Aiwanger and Joachim Herrmann, a spectacular anniversary cake was unveiled. The celebrations continued in Mellrichstadt, where a summer party was held with around 250 employees, pensioners and their families. There were speeches, music, delicious food and fun for the little ones - in keeping with the motto “Tradition meets the future”.

One of the highlights of the year was the awarding of a certificate of honor by the Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Managing Director Felix Weihrauch thanked everyone involved and promised to continue to inspire with his innovative spirit and precision. With the unveiling of the limited “1899 Series”, Weihrauch shows that even after 125 years, they still have their finger on the pulse of the times.

Five men stand at a display with the inscription “1899 Series - 125 Years of Family Tradition 1899-2024” — Weihrauch celebrates company jubilee