Company news·30 Jan 2025
Shaping the Future of Mehler Systems: Insights from CEO Dr. Mario Amschlinger
FULDA, GERMANY (05.02.2025)
Staying ahead in the defence sector demands innovation, strategic vision, and strong partnerships.
In a recent in-depth discussion, Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems, shared his perspective on the group’s path forward. From pioneering innovations to internationalisation and the importance of collaboration, he outlines how Mehler Systems is adapting to meet the demands of a changing world. This interview sheds light on the strategies and leadership driving the Group’s success.
Balancing Tradition with Progress
Mehler Systems has long been synonymous with reliability, cutting-edge technology, and a customer-first approach. Dr. Amschlinger is committed to building on these strengths while steering the company toward future growth.
“Mehler Systems has established itself as a trusted leader in the defence and security industry,” Dr. Amschlinger said.
“My role as CEO is to preserve what has made us strong while implementing strategies that prepare us for the future. This means focusing on innovation, internationalisation, and staying ahead of evolving market demands.”
Drawing on his experience, he aims to strike a balance between operational excellence and long-term vision.
“The expertise and dedication of our teams provide a solid foundation,” he noted. “Now, it’s about leveraging that foundation to achieve sustainable growth and deliver innovative solutions to our partners worldwide.”
Innovation and Operational Excellence
Dr. Amschlinger is committed to maintaining innovation as the backbone of the company’s growth strategy.
For him, innovation goes beyond just new products—it also includes refining internal processes and improving customer service. He emphasised that staying ahead of industry trends is essential for keeping pace with global security challenges.
“Innovation will remain central to our growth,” he said, “and it’s not just about creating new products, but also about improving our services and internal processes to better serve the market.”
The CEO highlighted that the synergies between the different brands under the Mehler Systems umbrella are key to shaping the future of the group.
By leveraging each brand’s strengths, the group can create more efficient processes and innovative solutions. This collaborative approach will allow Mehler Systems to respond effectively to the dynamic security landscape.
Expanding Global Reach and Market Presence
As part of its internationalisation strategy, Mehler Systems is strengthening its participation in global trade shows to showcase its capabilities and build relationships in emerging markets.
Mehler Systems and its sub-brands will be attending key events such as SHOT Show and SOF Week in the US, TADTE in Taiwan, and Enforce Tac and Milipol in Europe, alongside several other important trade shows. These events offer valuable opportunities to introduce Mehler Systems’ advanced solutions to emerging markets and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
“The success of UF PRO in the U.S. market sets a strong foundation for further international expansion,” Amschlinger explained.
“For Mehler Protection in Asia, the strategy involves tapping into emerging markets where security demands are growing. Expanding internationally helps to diversify risks and ensures steady demand across various regions.”
By targeting high-growth regions, the company aims to mitigate the risks of market concentration and provide tailored solutions for the unique security challenges faced by different areas.
Strategic Partnerships and Local Production
A major focus for Mehler Systems moving forward is the development of strategic partnerships.
These collaborations are seen as essential for strengthening the company’s supply chain and ensuring that it can continue delivering high-quality products even in the face of global disruptions. Dr. Amschlinger stressed the importance of local production in enhancing supply chain resilience and providing faster responses to customer demands.
The expansion of manufacturing capacity—such as the Serbia plant specialised in textile production and the Fulda plant focused on ballistic protection—enables Mehler Systems to maintain tighter oversight and improve production efficiency.
"Internal production is a cornerstone of our strategy because it ensures we maintain strict quality control, reduce supply chain risks, and can swiftly adapt to evolving needs," he explained.
The successful MOBAST program, which recently delivered its 200,000th protective vest to the German Federal Armed Forces, exemplifies how local manufacturing can strengthen national defence capabilities and enhance supply chain reliability. This achievement also underscores the synergies within the group, as Mehler Protection and Lindnerhof worked together to realise the project.
Adapting to Industry Trends and Enhancing National Security
Looking to the future, Dr. Amschlinger pointed to several key trends that will shape the defence industry, particularly the increasing emphasis on domestic production as geopolitical tensions and security concerns continue to evolve.
“Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers is crucial for ensuring national security and the rapid deployment of defence solutions,” he stated. Dr. Amschlinger believes that by prioritising domestic production, Mehler Systems can better respond to the challenges posed by global disruptions and geopolitical instability, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He also highlighted the importance of government policies in shaping the future of the defence industry. Policies that incentivise local production and streamline collaboration between the defence sector and government agencies will be vital in ensuring national security and fostering innovation.
“Government policies should incentivise local production through favourable regulations, funding mechanisms, and long-term procurement strategies,” he said. These measures will ensure that domestic defence industries remain competitive and resilient in the face of global challenges.
Mehler Systems’ Vision for the Future
As Mehler Systems moves forward, Dr. Amschlinger is committed to developing products that meet the evolving demands of the defence industry while prioritising the protection of lives.
“Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, providing modular, adaptive solutions that swiftly respond to emerging threats,” he said.
By maintaining its focus on innovation, customer collaboration, and strategic partnerships, Mehler Systems is well prepared to play a key role in shaping the future of the defence industry.