What KRAUSE does

KRAUSE-Werk GmbH & Co. KG, trading as KRAUSE Systems, is a privately held German manufacturer of climbing and scaffolding systems founded in 1900 and headquartered in Alsfeld, Hesse. The company operates from 251-500 employees and is structured as a limited partnership with three managing directors (Stefan Krause, Thomas Löser, Joachim Reich). It runs production and distribution subsidiaries across at least 15 European and Central Asian markets—including Germany, the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Kazakhstan—and holds more than 100 protective rights covering patents, trademarks, and designs. The company is positioned as Germany's oldest climbing technology brand and is an active member of the VDL (Verband Deutscher Leitern- und Fahrgerüsthersteller e.V.).

Name

KRAUSE

Legal name

KRAUSE-Werk GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://krause-systems.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

KRAUSE Systems is a 125-year-old German manufacturer of climbing and scaffolding systems—ladders, steps, mobile scaffolds, fixed access systems, and bespoke vehicle/industrial solutions—serving professional trades, industry, transportation, agriculture, and public-sector buyers across 15+ European and Central Asian markets through specialty dealers and direct field sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Climbing and Scaffolding Equipment

NAICS

Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (33331)

SIC

Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)

akta.pro primary industry

Steel Grating, Catwalks & Safety Platforms (IMADACAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Access & Scaffolding Rental/Leasing (TLABAFAL)

Keywords

• Mobile scaffolding systems
• Climbing equipment
• Ladder manufacturing
• Work platforms
• Access solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Alsfeld

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aluminum Ladders and Steps: Core product line including stepladders, step stools, combination ladders, extension ladders, push ladders, articulated ladders, and professional-grade climbing equipment under STABILO, MONTO, and CORDA brands.
2. Mobile Scaffolding Systems (Fahrgerüste): Mobile work platforms and rolling scaffolds including STABILO, ProTec, ProTec XXL, ProTec XS, ClimTec, and RollTec series for various professional applications.
3. Fixed Ladders and Access Systems: Stationary climbing systems, platform stairs, platform steps, railings, and specialized access solutions for industrial and commercial installations.
4. Custom/Special Solutions (Sonderlösungen): Bespoke aluminum climbing technology and access solutions tailored to specific customer requirements for industrial plants, rail vehicles, buses, and commercial vehicles.
5. wosatec Digital Inspection Software: Web-based application for digital workplace equipment management, inspection documentation, and compliance tracking. Subscription/digital service alongside hardware sales.
6. KRAUSE ACADEMY Training Services: Training programs for users, safety officers and 'Qualified Persons' (Befähigte Personen) in ladder and scaffolding safety.
7. KRAUSE INSPECT Inspection Services: Professional inspection services for workplace equipment conducted by qualified personnel.
8. Spare Parts and Accessories: Replacement parts and accessories for all KRAUSE product lines including casters, stabilization sets, tool trays, and safety equipment.
9. Safety Equipment (PSAgA): Personal protective equipment against falls from height and collective side protection systems.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

KRAUSE manufactures climbing and scaffolding systems — ladders, steps, mobile work platforms, fixed climbing ladders, custom aluminum access solutions, and fall protection equipment — under three product brands: STABILO (professional trade and industry), MONTO (universal), and CORDA (occasional private use). The portfolio also includes the wosatec digital inspection platform, KRAUSE ACADEMY training services, and KRAUSE INSPECT professional inspection services.

Product overview

KRAUSE manufactures climbing technology (Steigtechnik) — a comprehensive portfolio of ladders, steps, mobile scaffolding, work platforms, and safety systems for professional trade, industry, and private use. The product portfolio is organized into three main sub-brands: STABILO (professional grade for trade and industry with features like 225 kg load capacity and TRBS compliance), MONTO (universal products for general and hobby use), and CORDA (entry-level for occasional private use). Core product categories include various ladder types (step ladders, platform ladders, multi-purpose ladders, fixed climbing systems), mobile scaffolding systems (Fahrgerüste) available in multiple series including STABILO Professional, ProTec, ProTec XXL, ProTec XS, and ClimTec with the proprietary GuardMatic railing system. Special solutions include custom-designed access systems for industrial facilities, commercial vehicles, and rail vehicles. Digital services include wosatec web application for digital inspection management, KRAUSE ACADEMY training programs, and KRAUSE INSPECT professional inspection services. The company also offers seminars and safety training for qualified persons.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STABILO Professional Product Line Professional-grade climbing product line for trades and industry featuring high load capacity (up to 225 kg), TRBS-compliant designs, GuardMatic-System scaffolding, ergonomic features for intensive daily use, and a 10-year warranty.
• MONTO Universal Product Line Universal-purpose climbing technology for home users, hobbyists, and light commercial applications, with a 5-year warranty.
• CORDA Consumer Product Line

Quantifiable outcome

• 45% faster scaffolding assembly with GuardMatic-System compared to traditional systems
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• VDL - Verband Deutscher Leitern- und Fahrgerüsthersteller e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKRAUSE is an active member of VDL, the German Association of Ladder and Mobile Scaffold Manufacturers. This membership positions KRAUSE at the center of industry standards development and regulatory discussions affecting the climbing technology sector in Germany and Europe.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Layher GmbH: Leading German manufacturer of modular scaffolding systems including mobile and fixed access solutions. Comparable in mobile scaffolding/Fahrgerüste and serves similar professional trades and industrial customers.
• Centaure: French manufacturer of professional ladders, mobile scaffolding, and access equipment. Comparable in step stools, platform ladders, and certified safety-compliant climbing gear.
• Hymer-Leichtmetallbau GmbH: German manufacturer of aluminum access solutions including ladders, mobile scaffolding, and platforms. Direct competitor in professional-grade aluminum climbing equipment.
• Hailo GmbH & Co. KG: German maker of step stools, household and professional ladders, and waste systems. Competes with KRAUSE in step stools (Tritte) and consumer-grade ladder segments (CORDA/MONTO range).
• Tubesca Comabi: European (French/Italian) manufacturer of ladders, mobile scaffolding, and access equipment. Comparable product range across fixed, mobile, and platform ladder categories.
• Günzburger Steigtechnik: German manufacturer of ladders, steps, mobile scaffolding, and access platforms. Direct competitor with similar B2B professional focus and comparable product range (steps, platforms, fixed ladders).
• ZARGES GmbH: German manufacturer of ladders, mobile scaffolding, and access systems across industrial, commercial, and professional segments. Direct competitor with overlapping product categories in mobile scaffolding and platform ladders.
• Altrex B.V. Dutch/European manufacturer of ladders, mobile scaffolding, and work platforms. Comparable in mobile scaffolding and platform ladders with similar professional B2B channels.

Broad incumbents

• WernerCo: Large global manufacturer of ladders and access equipment (Werner, Louisville, Young Bo brands). Broad incumbent in climbing technology with larger scale and global distribution; competes in similar end markets.
• Instant Upright / Safway Group: Large multinational scaffolding and access services providers; competes with KRAUSE in modular and mobile scaffolding for industrial and construction applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCp908Vg8VllOlUBTQVHFJ6w
• Facebookfacebook.com/KrauseSystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/12311708
• Instagraminstagram.com/krausewerk
• Xx.com/krause_werk

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KRAUSE