International manufacturing is being expanded, production in Germany is ending
KED Ahead has made a deliberate strategic decision for the future of the company. Instead of raising prices, production will be further expanded with the world's best manufacturers.
As the last bike helmet manufacturer with in-house production in Germany, KED has invested over three million euros and a great deal of passion in the Freiberg am Neckar site over the past two and a half years. This included measures to increase energy efficiency, such as the installation of a modern recooling system, investments in new production technologies and the expansion of our Inmold manufacturing. “With innovations like the Meggy Spark, we have further developed and repositioned our brand. At the same time, we have won additional manufacturing orders from industry as well as for other brands to increase the utilization of our site. Despite these extensive efforts, however, we have not succeeded in making production economically viable in the long term”, says Victor Borsche, Managing Director at KED.
Exploding crude oil and material prices, increased labor costs, ongoing consumer restraint and political conditions without any tangible prospects have overtaken these investments.
A price increase was not an option
KED has decided to put its responsibility to specialty retailers first: fair prices, the same quality, the same service. "We have chosen partners who already produce for the world market leaders in the helmet sector today — and for us," says Victor Borsche.
The consequence of this decision: in-house production in Freiberg am Neckar will end on December 31, 2026.
Every KED helmet will continue to be developed in accordance with EN 1078 and approved by the German quality assurance team. The full product range remains unchanged. The company headquarters, development, sales, and the entire non-production team remain firmly rooted in Germany.
"This step opens up new opportunities for KED: the resources that previously went into maintaining in-house production will now flow into even more new products, faster development cycles, and an even stronger focus on specialty retailers. You will notice it in the range." says Victor Borsche.
The production employees have made KED what it is today. Their skills, their experience, and their daily commitment have shaped and strengthened KED for decades. The management thanks them for their many years of dedication and commitment and is actively supporting each individual through this transition, with the goal of finding individual solutions together.
Over 40 years of helmet expertise
KED was founded in 1985 in a garage in southwestern Germany — driven by the conviction that helmets can be built safer, smarter and more honestly. What began back then with an idea is now one of the most enduring brands in the helmet industry. Over four decades, KED has continuously developed its expertise: from the first models to the Meggy, which has protected kids on bikes for over 20 years, and the Embrace Urban UF-1, which sets new standards in city traffic in 2026. The Meggy Spark received the Design & Innovation Award in the same year. 40 years of experience go into every helmet.
Change in company management
In parallel with the strategic realignment of production, Jonas Japing will step down as managing director at his own request, effective June 30, 2026. Both decisions were prepared independently of each other. Victor Borsche will take over as sole managing director; Louis Borsche, who has been working operationally at KED in sales, marketing and product management for a year and a half, will take on additional leadership responsibilities.
“This step is not easy for me — and the reason is as unspectacular as it is honest: my life is based in Berlin, and in the long run I cannot meet the demands of this role in the way the company and its employees deserve. The handover has been prepared in an orderly manner, and I am proud of what we have built together.” — Jonas Japing
“We sincerely thank Jonas for his extraordinary commitment and loyalty. He was not only a valued managing director, but remains an important companion and friend.” — Victor Borsche
Development, design and quality from a single source
Every KED helmet begins in Freiberg am Neckar — with an idea, a high standard and the knowledge of over 40 years of helmet development. The team develops and designs the helmets right where all the know-how is based: on site, close to the materials, technologies and people who know every helmet from the ground up. New ideas can be tested quickly, fits optimised and details thought through consistently — until every aspect is right.
In-house technologies, targeted partnerships
KED develops the core technologies of its helmets itself. Systems such as K-FIT, KED NEO and K-LOCK are created in-house, tailored to the specific requirements of each helmet category. At the same time, KED works selectively with partners such as MIPS, BOA and Fidlock when external technologies meaningfully complement its own standards.
Global expertise, uncompromising KED standards
KED works with carefully selected manufacturing partners. Companies KED has known for years and that the company trusts. The same quality standards, the same material requirements, the same care in development: what is designed in Freiberg is implemented worldwide to KED standards. This is how helmets are created that meet the brand's high standards, no matter where they are made.
Values that drive us
Our values are more than words: they shape every decision, every product and every encounter. We stand for responsibility and uncompromising quality. For safety that protects and freedom that moves. Our helmets are an expression of our attitude.
For us, responsibility means standing behind every product, with transparency, fairness and a team that doesn't just promise quality but lives it. Safety is what drives us: our helmets combine reliable technology with uncompromising protection. From the first idea to the last detail, we focus on care, durability and well-thought-out design: functional, robust, made to last.
Our helmets provide safety that creates freedom. They open up possibilities for children, families and athletes. And we make no compromises along the way: neither in design nor in quality. Our products are an expression of style, conviction and attitude.
