Pioneering spirit and innovativeness mark company

Leader in mechanical and electronic access control systems

In 1919, three engineers started the Erfindungs-Versuchs-Verwertungs-Anstalt, or EVVA for short, in Vienna. More than a full century later, the company has developed into one of Europe's leading manufacturers of specific mechanical and electronic access systems for various industries. A status that is mainly due to the rich pioneering spirit and great innovative strength that have been present within the company walls from the very beginning.

EVVA's high-quality and globally used security products provide optimal protection and comfort to diverse target groups, such as companies, public institutions and private households. "We strive to achieve the best possible and innovative interaction between mechanics and electronics," says Rick Baayens on behalf of Hengelo-based EVVA Netherlands. "By purposefully combining mechanical and electronic access control solutions, we provide a technically and economically sensible answer to customer-specific security and organizational requirements." 

Extensive network

Since its foundation, the headquarters of the EVVA Group has been located in the Austrian capital Vienna. The expansion and modernization in 2021/2022 are appealing proof of the owner family's commitment to this location, from which all EVVA entities are controlled. This includes not only the plants in Tišnov (Czech Republic) and Krefeld (Germany) and the now ten subsidiaries. The EVVA Group also has an extensive network of more than 1,000 sales partners worldwide. Together, they are an important factor for the continuous expansion and international success of EVVA. 

Totally sustainable

That success also has a direct link to the sustainable nature of the company. Also in the area of sustainability, EVVA can rightfully bear the title of pioneer. The pioneering role and the rollout of various initiatives have been honored with ditto awards over the years. Rewards that also apply to the CSR policy firmly anchored in the corporate strategy and the efforts to conserve resources, invest in employees and take social responsibility. 

"As a manufacturer, we are very concerned with the world and the impact of our products on it," says Stefan Ehrlich-Adám, CEO of the EVVA Group. "Hence, sustainability has been a thread running through our processes for many years. Regardless of whether it's our people, buildings, production or logistics: wherever we can improve and make the company a bit more sustainable again, we do it." 

For example, through the technologically specialized dry processing method CP (Clean Production), EVVA has been striving for a clean production process for many years. Currently, the share of CP in the entire machine park, including the additional savings on water, oil and other emulsions, is about 75%. By extension, the company encourages the recycling of all materials used. In addition, the "sustainability" criterion has long been a requirement around product development by EVVA. 

"The maximization of recycling potential and the ultimate optimization of energy consumption are the decisive factors during production," Baayens said. "A textbook example is the installation of our own photovoltaic systems to power our production sites. We have been very successful with this for the past several years."    

Power behind success

The strong pioneering spirit, combined with courage and vision, characterizes EVVA's entrepreneurship and is the driving force behind the company's success to this day. After the start in 1919, the first major milestone follows in 1937. In that year, EVVA receives the first patent for a cylinder lock. This paved the way for the family company's security technology. Anno 2024, the EVVA Group has become one of the leading manufacturers in the security technology sector - recognized for its unique innovations, numerous patents and world-renowned reference projects. The family business has been successfully managed since 1999 by CEO Stefan Ehrlich-Adám and Nicole Ehrlich-Adám, CPO (Chief People Officer).