65 Year Anniversary for Elkosta

Elkosta is the traditional brand of Perimeter Protection Germany GmbH, the German subsidiary of the global acting Perimeter Protection Group (PPG). Existing since 1951 the brand has become one of the most successful perimeter protection brands worldwide. At that time, the company produced mechanical and electronic security technology at its plant in Salzgitter which is a German town in the northern Harz region. Even then elkosta was a pioneer in surface technology and coated its own steel products with high quality and durable corrosion protection. This is also reflected in the creative brand name - elkosta has managed to turn the actually not very attractive term "corrosion" into an internationally successful branding. The first syllables of "elegant", "corrosion-protected"* and "stable" form the brand name elkosta, which now stands for high quality and reliable safety worldwide. In 1956 elkosta launched its first high-runner - the famous triangular post with its distinctive triangular profile. These are still in use worldwide.

In the following years, further products such as doors and gates expanded the product range. These are characterised by robust quality and durability as well. This is also confirmed by Josef Hartl, master bricklayer from Maxhütte in the Bavarian area: "In 1972 at the age of 33, I´ve purchased an elkosta yard-gate facility and installed it by myself. Today, 44 years later, the gate is still running properly and I´m very satisfied! About two years ago, the range of the radio control was suddenly reduced, whereupon I put a request on spare parts to the service department. I received comprehensive advice and a prompt offer. But in the end I did not need that, because it turned out that a jamming device in the neighbourhood was to blame for the reduced range. "

Then, in 1987 the first crash test was carried out with elkosta´s first own High Security vehicle barrier with impact load, which was the DSP. These now form the main component of the innovative product range which is considered to be the trend for the High Security market. The internationally certified state-of- art portfolio ranges from power or hand-operated vehicle barriers to crash gates and bollards. Today the high security market is facing increasing competition from manufacturers of non-crash tested products. Evidence of compliance with required crash rating is often given by presenting a self-certification on the basis of static calculations instead of a valid crash test certification. But only a real crash test can ultimately prove the resistance to the applied impact load and thus ensure compliance as per the required level of security! As trust in their products is as important as their quality, all elkosta high security vehicle barriers are certified to the highest level in accordance with PAS 68 (7.5 t at 80km/h) or ASTM F 2656-07/ DOS (6.8 t at 50mph) or IWA 14-1 (7.2 t at 80km/h). Some bollard types are also tested at a lower level (K4, M30).

All products are made in Germany and are certainly the best choice for a comprehensive safety concept in critical environments such as embassies, military facilities, ministries, banks, industrial plants, data processing centres or city centers and other public areas. Along with many other innovations, elkosta offers the shallowest foundations in the world and therefore, can implement security solutions in environments that others cannot enter. Then as now elkosta always puts great emphasis on continuous research and development to constantly improve its products and services. Regular training of staff, partners and distributors ensure professional competence and expertise in all areas. Today, in 2016 elkosta already celebrates its 65th anniversary.