History
A great Passion’s History
The best stories are those that tell of a great passion. As the history of VAUDE. It begins with the enthusiasm of Albrecht von Dewitz for mountain sports. In the thin mountain air of the Alps, it matures in 1974, a daring idea – he makes his hobby into a profession and founded the company VAUDE naming it after his initials, v. D. (pronounced [fau’de]).
What follows is a successful hike of the new company with a number of milestones:
1980 VAUDE moves the company headquarters to Obereisenbach in Southern Germany, dedicating its new building, which has been continuously expanded as the company grows.
1991 As one of the first foreign enterprises VAUDE founds their own production facility in China.
1994 The Ecolog Recycling Network is created: high tech performance clothing can be 100% recycled for the first time.
2001 VAUDE establishes its own company childcare centre. VAUDE receives the award “Freedom and Responsibility” for its social commitment.
2001 Vaude is the first outdoor equipment to produce an entire product range (Base Layer) under the strict environmental bluesign® standards.
2002 The Baden-Württemberg Department of Trade and Ministry awards VAUDE with the award “Equal opportunities for women and men at work”.
2002 VAUDE becomes an official partner of the German Alpine Association (DAV).
2005 VAUDE is given the seal of quality “Beruf & Familie” (Career and Family) for its family friendly measures.
2006 VAUDE acquires the climbing brand Edelrid, a manufacturer of high quality products such as climbing harnesses, ropes and helmets.
2006 In order to prevent the local outdoor swimming pool in Obereisenbach from closing, VAUDE covers takes over the management.
2008 Foundation of the VAUDE Sustainability Team and introduction of the Vaude Ecosystem.
2008 VAUDE opens another production facility in Vietnam.
2008 VAUDE is the first European Outdoor company to attain EMAS registration from the European Union for its exemplary environmental management program additionally VAUDE becomes an official member of the bluesign standard.
2009 Albrecht von Dewitz’ daughter Antje von Dewitz takes over Company Management at VAUDE.
2010 Vaude joins the Fair Wear Foundation.
2011 The WWF Germany and VAUDE seal a wide-ranging cooperation in environmental protection.