About Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall – an international integrated technology group
Rheinmetall was founded in 1889 as "Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenbaufabrik Aktiengesellschaft". Today, as an integrated technology group, Rheinmetall AG, which is listed on the stock exchange, stands for a solid company that operates successfully internationally and is active in various markets with an innovative range of products and services.
As a renowned development partner and direct supplier to the global automotive industry and a leading international systems provider for security technology, Rheinmetall draws on its high level of expertise in its basic technologies to address long-term megatrends, identify viable new markets with high growth potential and develop innovative solutions for a safe and liveable future. The focus on sustainability is an integral part of Rheinmetall's strategy. The company aims to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2035.
With about 25,000 employees at 133 locations and production sites worldwide, Rheinmetall generated sales of €5.7 billion in 2021.
Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG:
Structure of the Rheinmetall Group
Management holding company
Rheinmetall AG is the parent company of the Rheinmetall Group and has its registered office in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the Group headquarters. As the management holding company, it defines long-term strategic orientation and corporate policy of the Rheinmetall Group. It also performs control and governance functions and provides services to the Group companies. Its most important tasks include specifying targets and guidelines, optimizing the investment portfolio, central financing, risk management and filling management positions in the Group. Support and service functions, such as finances, HR, corporate communications, law, taxation, information technology, internal auditing, compliance, corporate social responsibility and mergers & acquisitions, are performed at Group level. Rheinmetall AG ensures that there is a Group-wide, standardized planning, control and management process in place, and within the context of the compliance management system it monitors the Group-wide implementation of laws, guidelines and regulations in accordance with a set of uniform criteria.
As a result of the strategic realignment of the company and its positioning as an integrated technology group, Rheinmetall adjusted the Group structure in February 2021. In this context, the previous organizational separation into the Automotive and Defence sectors was discontinued.
Five divisions – one goal
Rheinmetall’s structure comprises the five divisions of Vehicle Systems, Weapon and Ammunition, Electronic Solutions, Sensors and Actuators, and Materials and Trade. It aims in particular to promote the transfer of technology between the individual parts of the Group and encourage the focus on future-driven technologies and business areas with large potential for a sustained increase in value.
Our focus: Security technology and mobility
Rheinmetall is an international group, active in various markets with technologically leading products and services. The sales focus is on the security technology and mobility segments. Globalization, protectionism, digitalization as well as disruption and transformation in various sectors and industries – particularly in the automotive sector – as well as the increasing frequency and intensity of conflicts and military disputes are leading to a growing need for mobility and security. But with its technologies Rheinmetall also wants to expand into other application areas like, for example, hydrogen technology and digitalization.
With the five divisions, whose portfolios of products and services are essentially active in the areas of security and mobility, Rheinmetall fulfills these basic key needs of modern society.
The Vehicle Systems, Weapon and Ammunition and Electronic Solutions divisions are among the defence and security industry’s leading suppliers of innovative products for the German and international armed and security forces. They provide system and subsystem solutions as well as a broad portfolio of services for capabilities in the areas of mobility, reconnaissance, command and control, C4I and protection. They also develop customized training and simulation solutions and provide services in the field of mission logistics.
As a European systems supplier for armed forces technology, Rheinmetall has many years of experience and innovation in armored vehicles, weapon systems and ammunition, as well as in the areas of air defence and electronics. Rheinmetall also serves the requirements of the navy and air force and for internal security. Whether for requirements specific to different branches of the armed forces or overall requirements, whether for external or internal security, the divisions have a wide product portfolio of platforms and components, which are offered as individual and connected system solutions. This makes Rheinmetall an important partner in this field to the German armed forces, their allies and friendly armies, along with civil national security forces.
All development, production and service activities are geared towards ensuring the best possible protection for soldiers. The activities continuously set new technological standards here: from vehicle, protection and weapon systems, through infantry equipment and air defence, to the networking of function sequences, electro-optics and simulation.
The activities of the Sensors and Actuators and Materials and Trade divisions comprise development services, manufacturing and replacement parts supply. The divisions’ core areas of expertise lie in the reduction of emissions, pollutants and fuel consumption, as well as cooling and thermal management and reduction of weight and friction in relation to internal combustion engines. This applies to not only passenger cars, but also light- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
In addition, there are an increasing number of alternative drive system products in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles. This includes electric drive units comprising a motor and power electronics as well as complete and efficient thermal management modules. Furthermore, these divisions are intensively engaged in applications of their product and service range in non-automotive market segments, such as the hydrogen economy or renewable energies.
Rheinmetall in figures
Fical 2021:
- €5,658 million sales
- 139 customer countries
- €594 million operating result
- 10.5% operative margin
- €419 million Operating free cash flow
- €24.5 billion order backlog
- 23,945 employees
- 133 locations