After a major fire two weeks ago badly damaged the production facility of the mountain sports outfitter VAUDE, cleanup and construction work is in full swing, says the company. Starting in June 2015, the production facility will be back in operation.
Based on these positive developments and the current stock of merchandise, VAUDE says it is in a position to deliver the majority of products manufactured at the headquarters in Tettnang, despite individual delivery delays for daily orders until the end of June.
The April 27 fire completely engulfed the roof structure of the production facility. Extinguishing the fire caused immense water damage on all floors. Production at the company headquarters, which primarily covers the waterproof pannier lines, has been temporarily put on hold. “Fortunately, our insurance covers our high financial losses. We are working hard on the organizational challenges” said Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE CEO.
Operations will already commence at the beginning of June 2015. Production machines were covered with tarps by the fire brigade, so they are largely operational. The sewing workshop will be temporarily housed in a facility 10 km away which perfectly meets VAUDE’s needs. The welding shop will continue full production at its previous premises on the lower level which were least affected by the fire.
The fire damaged production building will be renovated over the next four months, and full production will return to the Obereisenbach location by September 2015.
All other operations at VAUDE have not been affected by the fire or the renovation work and will continue to operate as usual.
“The production site at our headquarters and our Made-in-Germany products are very important to us. We are glad that were able to find workable solutions so quickly. We owe this to our dedicated team, as well as to the excellent cooperation of craftsmen, insurance providers, experts, and the city of Tettnang,” said Antje von Dewitz.
