dormakaba, a globally active provider of access solutions, has affirmed its long-term commitment to its production site in Bühl. The existing lease agreement has been extended until 2035, underscoring the strategic importance of the location.
In parallel with the lease extension, the company is making significant investments totalling over two million Euros. These funds are earmarked for modernising production facilities and increasing production capacities. The aim is to boost capacity by approximately 25 percent to meet increased demand and enable further growth.
A substantial portion of the investments is going towards acquiring new technologies, including laser technology as well as sawing and milling machines. Furthermore, the production of sensor barriers will be augmented by integrating an automated high-voltage test cell. Infrastructure for the workforce is also being considered: the employee restaurant at the site has been modernised.
Strategic expansion through product innovation and major orders
The expansion of the site is taking place against the backdrop of significantly increasing demand. dormakaba secured several major orders from German airports in the 2025/26 financial year. For Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf airports, the company will supply, replace, and service more than 650 Argus Air sensor barriers, which are used as self-boarding gates for passengers. The production of these sensor barriers will take place at the Bühl site.
Additional impetus for the site comes from the development and introduction of two new product variants, which were also conceived in Bühl and will be manufactured there for the global market in the future. With the Argus Air XS, dormakaba is expanding its portfolio with a new sensor barrier, with series production beginning in 2026. The Argus Air Interlock personal security gate, also developed in Bühl, already commenced series production in 2026.
Site manager Fabian Kabbe stated that the investments and new product variants would sustainably strengthen the development and production site in Bühl. He emphasised that Bühl, as a centre of excellence for solutions in safety-critical and sensitive areas, is creating the conditions to meet increasing demand and further expand its leading position in airport security.
