ZIPPERMAST GmbH is a German SME based in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria, specialising in mast systems that carry sensors and effectors for mobile operations in demanding environments. Since 2014, the company has developed its proprietary ZIPPERMAST telescopic mast technology into a compact, ruggedised system that can be used either as a standalone unit or integrated with vehicles, robots and other platforms, extending the reach and field of view of optical, electro-optical and communications payloads in terrain and conditions where conventional masts fall short. Thanks to EUDIS coaching services, ZIPPERMAST was able to strengthen its positioning as a systems integrator, refine its commercial strategy and explore new opportunities for growth as the company moves from a start-up to an established SME.

“We have always seen ZIPPERMAST as a systems integrator, not just a mast manufacturer — and we keep working to be perceived that way in the market. Right now, we are at the turning point from start-up to established SME, and the EUDIS coaching gave us exactly the outside perspective we needed: confirmation that we are on the right track, paired with fresh impulses on how to grow the business model further.”, Jutta Klima, CBDO, ZIPPERMAST GmbH.

From hardware to systems: smart sensor hubs for defence and security

The performance of any sensor or effector depends on the system that supports and positions it. ZIPPERMAST addresses this need with a compact, mobile mast system that goes beyond conventional telescopic masts: it can operate as an autonomous standalone unit or in combination with vehicles and other platforms, including in difficult terrain and adverse conditions. As a smart sensor hub, ZIPPERMAST also supports the digitalisation and automation of operations.

Around this core technology, the company has built further lines of capability, including system integration, project coordination and dual-use applications. ZIPPERMAST provides the platform-to-payload bridge, enables new use cases and capability extensions, brings together partners and end users to develop holistic system solutions, and applies its mast and sensor-carrying technology to civilian domains such as critical infrastructure surveillance and police observation tasks.

EUDIS coaching journey

With the support of their coach, Donough Tierney, the ZIPPERMAST team, led by Jutta Klima, CBDO, and Olaf Tanner, COO and project lead of the EDF project OPERANT, with punctual involvement from Frank Woodcock, CEO, followed a structured coaching journey covering commercial strategy, growth, partnerships and innovation. The coaching helped reinforce ZIPPERMAST’s positioning as a systems integrator rather than a pure hardware supplier, define a phased approach to scaling into European markets, explore a more diversified partner network, and reflect on the company’s future business model, including the role of software, standardisation, recurring services and emerging defence market applications.

More information

Website: ZIPPERMAST GmbH

Social media: LinkedIn

EDF Project: OPERANT