Wintersteiger acquires storage systems specialist QBL

Effective March 9, QBL becomes part of the WINTERSTEIGER Group. The Polish company is an established provider of storage and drying systems and was previously a strong competitor in the sports sector. QBL will be integrated into the new Storage Systems business unit within the Sports Division. This represents a clear strategic step by WINTERSTEIGER to further develop its portfolio in this area.

The goal of this merger is to systematically expand WINTERSTEIGER's existing offering along the customer journey. The focus is on integrated solutions -- from ski and bike service in the workshop area, through drying and hygiene, to shop equipment and complete store fitting at the point of sale. This way, WINTERSTEIGER responds to the growing demand for comprehensive, coordinated solutions in sports retail.

This brings clear advantages for customers and partners: fewer interfaces, more efficient processes, and close collaboration along the value chain. From planning through implementation to final store realization, the individual service components will mesh even better in the future.

The foundation for this is the targeted expansion of the portfolio: Through the integration of the independent QBL line, WINTERSTEIGER's technical product expertise is complemented by additional design and storage systems know-how. For customers, this means continuity with proven solutions and at the same time more choice through additional design options.

Christian Thaler, Managing Director of WINTERSTEIGER Sports GmbH, emphasizes the strategic direction: "We are investing specifically in the further development of our portfolio and thereby strengthening our competitiveness at the international level. Our goal is to be able to support our customers in implementing their projects from start to finish. The acquisition of QBL is an important building block for this."

The former owner of QBL, Wojciech Śliwka, will remain Managing Director and will also lead and drive forward the new Storage Systems business unit. "The merger with WINTERSTEIGER opens up new perspectives -- for our team, our products, and our customers. QBL will continue to exist as a product brand. At the same time, we are combining our design and storage systems know-how with WINTERSTEIGER's technical product expertise. This creates a strong foundation for developing solutions with real added value for the industry," says Śliwka.

Christian Thaler (left), Managing Director WINTERSTEIGER Sports, and Wojciech Śliwka of QBL look forward to future collaboration.

WINTERSTEIGER Sports GmbH employs nearly 350 people in Ried and at locations in France, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, the USA, and Canada. The product program is divided into four areas: "Ski Service" includes ski service machines, stone and belt grinders, binding adjustment, waxing and base repair equipment, as well as software. "Storage Systems" encompasses storage, depot and drying systems, as well as shop fittings. "Bike Services" includes manual and automatic cleaning systems, software for bicycle assembly and rental, as well as drying solutions for sports equipment. "Retail" stands for the comprehensive boot fitting offering with foot analysis devices, insoles, and compression socks marketed under the BOOTDOC brand, as well as HOTRONIC heating systems.

WINTERSTEIGER Holding AG is the parent company of an internationally positioned machinery and plant engineering group that has established a leading position as an innovative solution provider for customers in technically demanding niche markets since its founding in 1953.

WINTERSTEIGER is the world market leader in ski service machines, field trial technology, and thin wood cutting. The headquarters in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, 30 sales and service locations, and 60 representative offices supply a total of 130 countries. The corporate group employs around 1,200 people worldwide.